Carly Hughes leaves American Housewife due to 'discrimination' and 'toxic' work environment

Carly Hughes left the ABC comedy series American Housewife due to ‘discrimination’ and a ‘toxic’ work environment.

The series regular released a statement to Deadline where she described the difficult working conditions which lead to her decision to leave the show after four seasons.

‘I was no longer able to work in the toxic environment that was created on American Housewife,’ she said. ‘I made the decision to leave to protect myself from that type of discrimination. 

Carly starred as Angela on the show, with Doris (played by Ali Wong) and Katie (Katy Mixon) portraying a trio of true friends in the city of Westport. 

The group of women would meet for ‘second breakfast’ every day and talked about personal and professional problems. 

‘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,’ she added in the statement. ‘I wish the show well, and I am excited for a new chapter and to be able to pursue the opportunities ahead.’

While Carly officially exited the show in the fourth season, she appears in the season five premiere, which was filmed before COVID-19 shutdown production in March. 

Hughes’ departure as the only Black series regular reportedly triggered an extensive HR investigation. 

‘Carly was a valued member of the cast, and we had hoped she would return to the show this season,’ an American Housewife spokesperson told the outlet. 

‘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.’ 

Following the probe, Sarah Dunn no longer serves as an active producer while Mark J. Greenberg stepped down as line producer.

Showrunners Rick Wiener and Kenny Schwartz also underwent sensitivity training as part of the ABC Signature investigation.