Actress Angelica Ross allegedly lost job opportunities with Marvel thanks to American Horror Story creator Ryan Murphy, according to her X posts on Monday, Sept. 18.
The Pose star spent Monday afternoon and evening publishing receipts (screenshots) of Murphy ghosting her after confirming an opportunity Ross wanted would happen. Murphy’s alleged incivility cost her the chance to work with Marvel.
According to the Claws actress, she introduced to Murphy the idea of having Black females star in season 11 of AHS.
Ross posted a screenshot of the 57-year-old’s email confirming her proposal was coming to life.
“Remember your idea about HORROR season starring black women? Well, I’m doing it,” Murphy wrote in an email in July 2020. “Not sure of the story yet, but we will start a writers room in the fall.”
“So, as Nella considered why she distrusted Needles and Pins so much, she also considered what Jesse had said about white people who went out of their way to present “diversity” (1/2) @zakiya_harris #TheOtherBlackGirl pic.twitter.com/2wbJWh4KCb
— A N G E L I C A (@angelicaross) September 18, 2023
While asking for prospective Black women candidates for the roles, Murphy suggested Ross, Keke Palmer and Gabourey “Gabby” Sidibe.
Ross suggested well-known actresses like Debbi Morgan (Eve’s Bayou), Lynn Whitfield (A Thin Line Between Love and Hate), Alfre Woodward (The Family That Preys), Angela Bassett (Black Panther: Wakanda Forever), Kerry Washington (Scandal) and more.
As Ross explained, COVID caused a delay in TV productions, but season 10 eventually came out in 2021. Before season 11 came out, Ross followed up with Murphy on Feb. 7, 2022, with ideas for the plot.
“Good morning, up cleaning and organizing and thinking about what season 11’s focus could be and then just thought maybe just ask you that when that formulates if I could be on the producing side as well. I think I could add a lot to the table in the overall storyline if we are still looking to do a Black lead cast,” the 42-year-old wrote.
Despite sending the email and other attempts, Ross said the executive producer never responded.
“After not hearing back. After sending flowers and no response, I sent one last email in Feb 2020 (it took about a year to film season 10 due to COVID) while still contractually in first position with the show. Mind you, Marvel had called twice now. I haven’t heard from him since.”
After not hearing back. After sending flowers and no response I sent one last email in Feb 2022 (it took about a year to film season 10 due to COVID) while still contractually in first position with the show. Mind you, marvel had called twice now. I haven’t heard from him… pic.twitter.com/s7HfeABd8j
— A N G E L I C A (@angelicaross) September 18, 2023
She continued below the post, “One white director was mopping on set saying he doesn’t think he’s coming back next season because there’s been a ‘change in direction.’ I just smiled knowing what it was, but trust some folks weren’t thrilled cuz they knew I’d press Black directors, writers…AS PER MY EMAIL.”
One white director was MOPING on set saying he doesn’t think he’s coming back next season because there’s been a “change in direction”. I just smiled knowing what it was but trust some folks weren’t thrilled cuz they knew I’d press for Black directors, writers…AS PER MY EMAIL.
— A N G E L I C A (@angelicaross) September 18, 2023
While the AHS actress awaited a response from the show’s creator, Marvel was allegedly calling with acting opportunities. Although Ross yearned to tell them she was available, her agents refrained, claiming it would cause problems because “series regular contracts” required permission from the network and show.
“No show wants to hire you as a LEAD when another show can call you away at any moment. So my agent called, and they could never give us an answer as to if I was available. Found out for myself,” Ross explained.
I did! Series regular contracts have to get permission from the show and the network first. No show wants to hire you as a LEAD when another show can call you away at any moment. So my agent called and they could never give us an answer as to if I was available. Found out for…
— A N G E L I C A (@angelicaross) September 18, 2023
Hypothetically speaking, if Ross had told Marvel she was available while AHS and FOX claimed she wasn’t, it could ruin the actress’ career.
I tried! I was yelling at my agents “JUST TELL THEM I’M AVAILABLE!” But they said we couldn’t do that because if they turned around and said I wasn’t we’d have an issue. That’s why we kept calling them trying to get answers.
— A N G E L I C A (@angelicaross) September 19, 2023
In addition to Murphy ghosting her, Ross, a supporter of the writers’ strike, said she dealt with transphobic and racist remarks from a co-star, and the showrunners excused it as “free speech.”
Will also tell you about the transphobic remarks my co-star said to my face, and the racism I complained about on set that they said was “free speech”. We on strike so you know I got time this week.
— A N G E L I C A (@angelicaross) September 19, 2023
Please ask somebody about me. If I’m at the point of publicly showing receipts you can believe I don’t have any f*cks left to give when it comes down to it. And I’m not even done pulling out the receipts.
— A N G E L I C A (@angelicaross) September 19, 2023
Ross stated it took a lot to process her traumatic experience and wanted to wait until she could tell it “without crying or getting too angry.” She also said she had more receipts to show.
It took me about a year and some months to process all of this so that I could speak without crying or getting too angry. Because we know how y’all respond to “angry Black women.” So I’m about to lay out all the facts for you. But I have to take care of myself in the process.
— A N G E L I C A (@angelicaross) September 19, 2023
