A Hollywood Set Turned Toxic?
Shocking Lawsuit Hits Disney and 20th Television Over Alleged On-Set Harassment
Just when you thought behind-the-scenes life on a medical drama would be calmer than the intense plot twists on screen—turns out, it was the real drama that was brewing off-camera on the set of Doctor Odyssey.
In a disturbing turn of events, three props crew members have come forward to shine a light on what they claim was a months-long “unlawful den of sexual harassment and retaliation” while working on the hit ABC show. Their allegations have triggered a bombshell lawsuit that could shake up the network and production giant Disney, along with 20th Television.
Here's What You Need to Know:
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The Plaintiffs: Caroline Mack, Alicia Haverland, and Ava Steinbrenner – all members of the props crew.
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The Accused: Assistant prop master Tyler Patton and prop master Tammie Patton (his wife).
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The Allegations: Sexual harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, and negligent hiring/supervision.
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The Defendants: Disney, 20th Television, and individuals named in the suit.
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Filed: In California State Superior Court, Friday.
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Current Status: Plaintiffs are requesting a jury trial.
A Pattern of Bad Behavior?
According to the lawsuit obtained by Entertainment Weekly, the plaintiffs had serious concerns from the start. They say they were brought onboard around late spring or early summer of 2024 for season one of Doctor Odyssey, which debuted in September 2024 and wrapped up in May. But things allegedly took a turn for the worse once the Pattons—Tyler and Tammie—were hired shortly thereafter.
What really set off alarm bells? The plaintiffs claim Tyler Patton had a controversial past. In fact, they point to a 2010 lawsuit involving Patton during his time on the set of House, where he was accused of fostering a toxic work environment and retaliating against a fellow crew member.
Alleged Harassment on a Shocking Scale
The complaint lays out a grim timeline. Tyler Patton allegedly created a hostile environment with:
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Unwanted Physical Contact: Including “lingering hugs,” touching a plaintiff’s thigh, and reportedly grabbing a visiting staffer’s butt in plain view on set.
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Inappropriate Comments: The plaintiffs say Patton frequently made suggestive remarks about sexual acts and BDSM practices, texted them explicit content, and even made sexualized comments in front of the crew.
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Visual Misconduct: They claim he also displayed obscene gestures and wore clothing with provocative imagery and statements.
What makes this even more jarring is the plaintiffs' assertion that Tammie Patton ignored all of it—and even retaliated when they dared to speak up.
Retaliation or Coincidence?
After finally lodging complaints, Tyler Patton was fired—but not for long. His replacement? A man named Don Bracken, allegedly a close friend of the Pattons. If the plaintiffs thought things would improve, they were quickly disappointed.
Bracken, they say, made matters worse by constantly reminding them that "there’s no shame in quitting." Yikes. That doesn’t exactly scream supportive work culture.
To add salt to the wound, Mack, Haverland, and Steinbrenner claim they were demoted to “demeaning” roles as punishment, only for the entire props department to be fired shortly afterward—with Bracken conveniently being the only one spared.
Important side note: Bracken reportedly never even worked directly with Tyler Patton. That makes his hiring and the fallout even more suspicious in the plaintiffs' eyes.
A Team of "Buddies"?
The lawsuit also takes aim at Tyler Patton’s hiring practices. According to the plaintiffs, Tyler allegedly staffed the department with his "male buddies," many of whom had also worked on House. This, they say, created a boys' club culture that made the workplace even more toxic and left little room for accountability or professionalism.
Mental and Financial Fallout
This lawsuit isn’t just about the termination—it’s about what the plaintiffs say they went through emotionally and mentally. According to the documents, Mack, Haverland, and Steinbrenner claim they’ve suffered:
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Severe emotional distress
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Long-term psychological harm
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Lost wages and future earnings
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Loss of employee benefits
They’re seeking general and compensatory damages in amounts that will be determined at trial, and they aren’t backing down.
Legal Firestorm Ahead?
Disney and 20th Television are now on the hot seat. As of now, no official statements have been released by the companies or the Pattons. Reps from Doctor Odyssey, Disney, and 20th Television have all been contacted by media outlets for comment—but it's radio silence so far.
This lawsuit could become a defining case of accountability in the entertainment industry, particularly for crew members who often work behind the scenes without the same public voice as actors or directors. The legal battle might just expose deeper systemic issues, especially regarding how complaints from lower-level staff are handled—or allegedly ignored.
What This Means for Hollywood
Allegations like this continue to reveal a broader pattern in Hollywood's treatment of its workforce, especially when it comes to power dynamics on set. Despite progress made in recent years with movements like #MeToo, this lawsuit suggests there's still a lot of work to do.
Key Takeaways:
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Even major studios like Disney can face legal consequences if internal issues aren’t addressed properly.
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Power imbalances on set can lead to systemic abuse if not monitored.
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The courage to speak up—especially by crew members who are often overlooked—could drive lasting change in the industry.
The Road Ahead
While the legal gears grind forward, the plaintiffs say they’re prepared to face a jury. Whether or not they’ll get the justice they seek remains to be seen. One thing is clear: the story behind Doctor Odyssey might be more dramatic and heart-wrenching than the show itself.
And just like a good cliffhanger—Hollywood, and the rest of us, will be watching closely to see what happens next.
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