American Housewife star Carly Hughes quit the ABC comedy series alleging toxic environment and discrimination.
Hughes has been on the show for four seasons.
“I was no longer able to work in the toxic environment that was created on American Housewife,” Hughes said in a statement to Deadline. “I made the decision to leave to protect myself from that type of discrimination. As a black woman in entertainment, I feel the responsibility to stand up for what I deserve, what we all deserve — to be treated equally. I wish the show well, and I am excited for a new chapter and to be able to pursue the opportunities ahead.”
Hughes was the only Black series regular on American Housewife. Her claims triggered an extensive HR investigation by ABC Signature.
The comedy series follows Katie Otto (Katy Mixon) as she raises her family in Westport, Connecticut, while simultaneously trying to “keep it real” while surrounded by wealthy families and their pampered children.
According to the publication, American Housewife creator Sarah Dunn is no longer an active producer on the show. Mark J. Greenberg stepped down as line producer, and showrunners Rick Wiener and Kenny Schwartz underwent sensitivity training.
“Carly was a valued member of the cast, and we had hoped she would return to the show this season,” a spokesperson for American Housewife said. “The concerns she raised led to positive changes to the workplace and improvements to the culture, but we respect the decision she made to move on. We wish her nothing but the best.”
The news comes as Holly Robinson Peete revealed that she would be taking on a recurring role later in. the show’s fifth season.
