‘Doctor Odyssey’ crew sue Disney and 20th TV for alleged sexual harassment

In a significant development in the entertainment industry, three members of the props crew from ABC’s medical drama Doctor Odyssey have filed a lawsuit against Disney and 20th Television, citing serious allegations of sexual harassment, retaliation, and wrongful termination. This lawsuit underscores ongoing concerns about workplace behavior within Hollywood, particularly regarding how large corporations handle allegations of misconduct.

The plaintiffs—Caroline Mack, Alicia Haverland, and Ava Steinbrenner—filed their case in California’s state Superior Court, detailing a troubling pattern of behavior allegedly carried out by Tyler Patton, who served as the assistant prop master on the show. According to the complaint, Patton engaged in a prolonged campaign of sexual harassment that persisted for several months. The women assert that they were subjected to various forms of harassment, including inappropriate physical touching and lewd comments, which they claim were tolerated by Disney and 20th Television.

Their lawsuit points out a perceived failure on the part of the companies to address and investigate their complaints. Instead of taking necessary action, the allegations suggest that Disney and 20th Television opted to lay off the entire props department rather than confront the misconduct. The plaintiffs are now seeking a jury trial, which emphasizes the seriousness of their claims and their desire for accountability.

Mack, Haverland, and Steinbrenner were hired to join the props department in the spring or summer of 2024, shortly before Doctor Odyssey premiered in September of the same year. Tammie Patton, Tyler’s wife and prop master for the production, was hired around the same time. The plaintiffs expressed their concerns about the hiring of the Pattons, noting that Tyler had previously been accused of fostering a similarly toxic work environment during his tenure on the set of House, where he allegedly retaliated against an assistant prop master who reported his behavior.

The lawsuit details several incidents of harassment, including unwanted physical contact, vulgar comments related to sexual acts and BDSM, and unwanted sexualized visual conduct. The plaintiffs allege that Tyler Patton’s behavior created an "unlawful den of sexual harassment and retaliation." Despite voicing complaints, their worries were allegedly met with retaliation by Tammie Patton, who they state escalated the harassment rather than addressing it.

After the plaintiffs reported Tyler Patton’s alleged behavior, he was reportedly terminated. However, the situation did not improve, as Don Bracken, a friend of the Pattons, was hired shortly after to fill the role. The plaintiffs claim that Bracken openly suggested that “there’s no shame in quitting” in light of their complaints, highlighting an atmosphere of intimidation.

Following their demotion to menial tasks, which they deemed demeaning, they were ultimately laid off, while Bracken remained on staff despite not working directly with Tyler Patton. The plaintiffs argue that this course of action was a method of retaliation against them for speaking up about the harassment.

As a result of the stress and emotional turmoil caused by the alleged misconduct, Mack, Haverland, and Steinbrenner assert they have endured significant mental anguish and emotional distress, which they anticipate will continue. Furthermore, they are seeking not only general and compensatory damages but also acknowledgment of the impact that the alleged harassment and subsequent retaliation have had on their careers.

This lawsuit sheds light on a broader conversation surrounding workplace safety and harassment in the entertainment industry. Despite the prevalence of harassment claims in Hollywood over recent years, many workplaces still struggle to adequately address misconduct when it arises. The ongoing fallout from past allegations has made companies aware of the importance of creating a safe environment for all employees, but challenges remain.

Disney’s handling of the situation has not gone unnoticed. The company has issued no public comments regarding the lawsuit as of now, creating speculation about how it plans to address these serious allegations. As public scrutiny continues to mount, it remains to be seen whether Disney and 20th Television will take adequate steps to improve their internal practices to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future.

For the plaintiffs, this lawsuit is more than a legal battle; it represents a demand for respect and accountability within the industry. By taking action, they hope to shine a light on the pervasive issue of sexual harassment and inspire others who have faced similar adversity to speak out.

The Doctor Odyssey case serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles individuals face when they step forward to report harassment and the critical importance of creating safe and supportive workplace environments. As this story develops, it will be important to watch how it impacts not only the individuals involved but also the broader industry efforts to combat harassment and promote a culture of respect.

As the legal proceedings unfold, all eyes will be on how Disney, 20th Television, and the broader entertainment community respond to these allegations, poised to influence the conversation surrounding workplace ethics and the future of creative environments in Hollywood.

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