For decades, Disney has been known for producing some of the most iconic family-friendly entertainment in the world. But behind the bright lights and perfectly polished productions, workplace culture issues have increasingly come under scrutiny. As more industry employees speak out about their experiences, one of Disney’s more recent television efforts is now at the center of a serious controversy.
In the fall of 2024, ABC introduced its new primetime medical drama, Doctor Odyssey. With a high-concept setting aboard a cruise ship and a star-studded cast that included Joshua Jackson, Don Johnson, Phillipa Soo, and Sean Teale, the show seemed like it had all the ingredients to become the network’s next big success.
Related: Disgraced ABC Writer Slammed for Attempting to Fundraise Amid LA Wildfires Crisis
Viewers tuned in to watch sea-bound disasters, personal turmoil, and hospital emergencies at sea. But according to a new lawsuit, some of the real drama took place behind the scenes.
A legal complaint filed in Los Angeles Superior Court by several members of the Doctor Odyssey props team alleges disturbing behavior by assistant prop master Tyler Patton. The crew members claim they were subjected to repeated incidents of sexual harassment, as well as retaliation after filing complaints.
While Disney has remained silent, the implications for both ABC and the series are substantial.
Related: Social Media Erupts as Women Share Experiences of Sexual Harassment at Disney
The lawsuit, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter, describes a moment when Patton allegedly texted a link to the props team, including his wife Tammie Patton, who served as the department’s prop master.
The lawsuit alleges that Tyler Patton texted the props department, including his wife, prop master Tammie Patton, a link appearing to reference a new story that former President Joe Biden was dropping out of the 2024 presidential race. When they clicked, the crewmembers say they were directed to a webpage showing a naked male with an erect penis. Tyler Patton subsequently walked away and allegedly exclaimed, “If I wasn’t f***ing the boss, I’d be fired.”
Related: Union Organizer Claims Retaliation Following Sexual Harassment Complaint at Disney Springs
Plaintiffs say that one of the crew members reported the incident to Human Resources and her union, resulting in Tyler Patton’s dismissal. However, the problems allegedly escalated afterward. Tammie Patton, according to the complaint, began targeting the plaintiffs with retaliatory and demeaning assignments. Eventually, the entire props department was terminated.
20th ‘then almost immediately hired a whole new set of employees to replace Plaintiffs and other Props Department employees for the Dr. Odyssey Season 1 project,’ states the complaint. ‘Clearly, no ‘lay off’ had occurred. Instead, Defendants wiped the Prop Department’s slate clean to avoid having to deal with any remaining employee-relations issues tied to Tyler Patton’s and Tammie Patton’s misconduct.’
This isn’t the first time Tyler Patton has faced accusations of sexual misconduct. The same Hollywood Reporter article notes that back in 2011, while working on the set of the hit medical series House, Patton was accused of “advanced sexual harassment,” including groping a male employee and trying to involve female colleagues in group sexual activity. That case also involved claims of retaliation.
In this most recent filing, the plaintiffs allege that Patton frequently sent them X-rated images and grabbed the behinds of multiple women who worked on set. They say he appeared to enjoy watching the discomfort his comments caused among his coworkers.
The lawsuit outlines several claims, including sexual harassment, retaliation, negligent hiring, and wrongful termination. The plaintiffs are seeking unspecified damages. While Doctor Odyssey was initially positioned as a potential long-term hit, it remains the only new ABC scripted show that has not yet been officially renewed for a second season.
Though ABC has not confirmed whether the show’s uncertain status is related to the lawsuit, the timing raises questions. This controversy also follows other recent allegations tied to Disney properties, including a separate incident involving a Disney Springs employee who was allegedly fired after reporting harassment, sparking a wave of public support and a reinstatement petition.
Despite the serious accusations and the broader concerns they raise about workplace culture, neither Disney nor ABC has issued any public comment about the pending litigation.
Do you believe Disney and ABC are taking harassment claims seriously enough? What message does this send to other cast and crew members across the industry? We invite you to share your perspective in the comments, and follow Disney Fanatic for the latest developments on this case and other major stories in Disney entertainment.
