Actress Angelica Ross alleges that fellow actress Emma Roberts was transphobic towards her on the set of “American Horror Story: 1984.”
Ross shared that she and Roberts were referred to as ladies on set, to which Roberts replied “don’t you mean lady?”
— Pop Base (@PopBase) September 20, 2023
Ross, an actress, tech entrepreneur, and trans rights activist, recalled that her “blood was boiling” amid the alleged incident. Fans of Ross and the “American Horror Story” franchise are largely coming to her support in the situation.
Respecting each other's identities is crucial, and it's disappointing to hear about situations like this.
— Âyoze (@lust4orlife) September 20, 2023
Elsewhere, many are criticizing Roberts’ alleged behavior. Previous allegations against Roberts also include a domestic violence incident with her ex-boyfriend and “American Horror Story” costar Evan Peters. Peters and Roberts both displayed wounds from one another, and no charges were pressed. leaving the 2013 incident much up for debate in the public eye.
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me counting the number times Emma Roberts has proven to be an awful human beingpic.twitter.com/Nf24lhsxjy
— I M Λ ???? (@_Syncopy_) September 20, 2023
Others are relating Roberts’ alleged behavior to that of her varying characters in the popular Ryan Murphy franchise.
Crazy how the mean characters she plays are much nicer than the actor herself she needs to do some deep reflecting honestly
— THE NADDY???? (@Nady_asim1) September 20, 2023
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In addition to the alleged incident of transphobia, Ross went on to describe crew members wearing racist t shirts on set. Some of the slogans included “build that wall,” “America first”, and “I don’t kneel.” The three slogans refer to anti-immigrant rhetoric popularized during the Trump presidency, and the last refers to NFL player Colin Kaepernick kneeling during the national anthem in silent protest against police brutality.
« build that wall » @ryanmurphyprod you got me blocked long time ago but you will see this. YOU are responsible for everything that happened on that set. you pretend to care but you let shit like this happen. you better release an apology letter asap because we are NOTwatchingAHS pic.twitter.com/BCMSTGrpgS
— ???????????????????? (@vee_delmonico99) September 20, 2023
Ross went on to describe that the alleged transphobia and racism on set was permitted under the guise of free speech.
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Will also tell you about the transphobic remarks my co-star said to my face, and the racism I complained about on set that they said was “free speech”. We on strike so you know I got time this week.
— A N G E L I C A (@angelicaross) September 19, 2023
The mounting allegations have many now questioning the ethics of director Ryan Murphy, who created “American Horror Story” and continues to direct much of the series. This comes years after allegations of poor on set behavior surfaced against “Glee” star Lea Michele, who starred in a number of Murphy’s projects as well. Many sense that Murphy builds a platform for toxic actresses.
I've heard other first-hand accounts of her behavior. It's giving Lea Michele. Ryan loves a toxic ingenue.
— JAVI (Haughty & Bothered ™️) He/Him/They/Them (@CallMeJavi) September 20, 2023
Amid the widespread support for Ross and criticism of Murphy and Roberts, the actress reminded her fans to not send hate or wish violence upon Emma, but only to voice that she should be held accountable for her alleged actions.
Let me make something absolutely clear. I appreciate the support but please do not joke about violence towards Emma. Joke about her being held accountable. Now THATs funny ????
— A N G E L I C A (@angelicaross) September 20, 2023
Outside of the alleged discriminatory incidents, Ross shared receipts of an email conversation with Murphy from 2022, in which the director allegedly ghosted Ross about an all Black season of “American Horror Story.”
“So, as Nella considered why she distrusted Needles and Pins so much, she also considered what Jesse had said about white people who went out of their way to present “diversity” (1/2) @zakiya_harris #TheOtherBlackGirl pic.twitter.com/2wbJWh4KCb
— A N G E L I C A (@angelicaross) September 18, 2023
While it remains unclear if Murphy’s abandonment of this creative pursuit was rooted in racism, many entertainment industry professionals find it generally disrespectful and unprofessional that the director never finished their conversation.
Ryan Murphy always offers "ideas" but never concludes them. He has done this with both his fans and his actors. Some examples: mermaids in AHS, a new season of Scream Queens, the return of Glee, among other ideas. Now this? he has zero responsibility.
— Pablo Cánova (@pcanovam) September 18, 2023
Roberts later called Ross to apologize for her behavior.
Thank you @RobertsEmma for calling and apologizing, recognizing your behavior was not that of an ally. I will leave the line open to follow up on your desire to do better and support social justice causes with your platform.
— A N G E L I C A (@angelicaross) September 20, 2023
Murphy is yet to comment on the allegations.
