American Housewife initially made waves during its first season in 2016 for showcasing a plus-size mom on television. But, according to former castmember Carly Hughes, the show doesn’t love other types of diversity.

According to Deadline, Hughes, the only Black woman as a series regular on the show, has left the series over complaints about a toxic work environment and discrimination on set. Hughes was a series regular until the end of the fourth season, during which she played one of Katie’s (Katy Mixon)’s friends Angela. She’s featured in the fifth season in episodes that were filmed before Hollywood’s coronavirus shutdown.

Hughes told Deadline in a statement that she left the series “to protect myself from that type of discrimination.” No description of the discrimination she dealt with was given.

“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 continued. “I wish the show well, and I am excited for a new chapter and to be able to pursue the opportunities ahead.”

The series’ spokesperson told Deadline that Hughes’ concerns were taken by higher-ups and addressed.

“Carly was a valued member of the cast, and we had hoped she would return to the show this season,” said the spokesperson. “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.”

After Hughes’ claims and an investigation, creator Sarah Dunn “is no longer an active producer on the show,” Mark J. Greenberg stepped down as line producer, and showrunners Rick Wiener and Kenny Schwartz have undergone “sensitivity training.”

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Photo: Brian Bowen Smith/ABC via Getty Images

American Housewife

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