American Housewife star Carly Hughes quits over an alleged "toxic environment"

Deadline

After appearing in the Season 5 premiere filmed before the coronavirus shutdown, Hughes' name was removed from last week's second episode of the season. “I was no longer able to work in the toxic environment that was created on American Housewife,” Hughes, the show's only Black series regular, 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.” Deadline reports that Hughes' exit "triggered an extensive HR investigation by ABC Signature, which also looked into other claims from production team members. Following the probe, 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." A spokesperson for the show added: “Carly was a valued member of the cast, and we had hoped she would return to the show this season. 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.”