19 December 2023 , 12:48
383
0
Holly Marie Combs has opened up about the behind-the-scenes drama on Charmed and claimed Alyssa Milano persuaded producers to sack her co-star Shannen Doherty.
The trio starred on the hit show as sisters who discovered they were the most powerful good witches of all time. While their characters had a very close bond, things weren't the same for the actors.
Holly said she had a meeting with show producer Jonathan Levin after Shannen was sacked in the early 2000s. Recalling the conversation during an appearance on the Let's Be Clear with Shannen Doherty podcast, she explained: "He said, 'We didn't mean to — but we've been backed into this corner — we're basically in this position where it's one or the other."
READ MORE: Jonathan Majors dropped by Marvel after guilty verdict in domestic violence trial
Alyssa Milano, Holly Marie Combs and Shannen Doherty starred in Charmed (Getty Images)
Holly has opened up about the off-screen drama (FilmMagic)She said Jonathan told her: "We were told [by Alyssa] it’s her or [Shannen] and Alyssa has threatened to sue us for a hostile workplace environment." Holly said Alyssa had documented "every time she felt uncomfortable on set" and had seemingly built a case against her and Shannen.
Alyssa Milano 'apologises to Britney' as she's called out for 'bullying' tweet
Holly insisted she couldn't remember any "harsh words" being exchanged or public "brawls" taking place and admitted she had been caught off guard by Jonathan's comments. She said the behind-the-scenes tension was never noticed by the crew or special guest stars.
"There are actually people who behave badly and get away with it," Holly continued. "I don't think people understand that never happened here."
The Pretty Little Liars was so upset by her co-star's axe that she also threatened to leave the show. "This is not a show I wanted to do without Shannen. She didn’t want to do it without me. Therefore, I don’t want to do it without her and that should be fairly clear," Holly recalled telling the producer.
Alyssa issued an ultimatum to producers (Image Press Agency/NurPhoto/REX/Shutterstock)
Shannen was then fired from the show (WireImage)However, she claims she was met with an ultimatum from Jonathan. He allegedly threatened to sue her if she quit, something she described as "blackmail".
Shannen also spoke about being fired from Charmed and admitted she felt upset and confused. "I lived a year after that sort of replaying everything in my brain and really trying to find those moments [of alleged bad behavior on set] — and I couldn't find them," she said.
Shannen added: "I don't ever remember being mean to her on set. I remember an episode I directed where she did something on the Christmas break and they asked me to work around some things with her and I had no problem with it. I couldn't have been more kind and understanding."
She said she still hasn't forgiven Alyssa for what happened. "As you get older, you accept that a situation happened. Acceptance and moving on with your life does not equate to forgiveness. You just learn a lesson and look at somebody differently and move on," the actress continued.