In a recent interview on Monica Lewinsky's podcast Reclaiming (via YouTube), Bush opened up on her traumatic experiences on the set of a show she doesn't specifically name. Bush details that she received "every kind of abuse" from an older man during her time on one of her shows. Bush discusses her time on One Tree Hill, and her first experience of workplace trauma, before revealing she had a whole new trauma at a new job she moved onto after the hit teen drama. Read her full quote below:
"And then I went to work on this other show that was on my bucket list, and then I had this whole other trauma. I had a workplace, ongoing, trauma, you know, revolving around an unending situation with someone old enough to be my father. And I was like, what is happening? And when I chose to shift it, it was because I finally had to."
When asked if it was a professional inappropriate relationship, or romantic, she continued...
What This Means For Bush's Workplace Experiences
Though She Doesn't Name Names, It's Pretty Clear Bush Is Referring To Chicago P.D.
Though Bush doesn't specifically name names, it seems like she is talking about her Chicago P.D. experiences with series lead Jason Beghe. Bush left Chicago P.D. in 2017, and a year later revealed on-set abuse at the hands of Beghe to be the reason behind her departure, so it's pretty clear this is what she is referring to. Variety reported that, following the actress's departure, NBCUniversal (the network behind Chicago P.D.), launched an investigation into Beghe's anger issues. The actor would later release a statement admitting to engaging in aggressive behavior.
Her trauma might have caused her to shy away from network shows, but it is great that she has felt empowered enough to speak out about her experiences.
Our Take On Bush's Abuse Experience
They May Have Colored Her Acting Experiences, But It's Great That She's Speaking Out
Understandably, Bush's acting career seems to have been impacted a lot by her abuse experiences. Since departing Chicago P.D. she has only starred in one show, the short-lived medical drama Good Sam. Her trauma might have caused her to shy away from network shows, but it is great that she has felt empowered enough to speak out about her experiences. Bush's career moving forward will likely be shaped by her abuse, and the hope will be that she can find a comfortable working environment again in the future.
