The former “Charmed” actress, 50, spoke with her former costar Shannen Doherty, 52, about tensions on the set of their WB series on Monday’s episode of Doherty’s podcast, “Let’s Be Clear.” In “Charmed,” which ran from 1996 to 2006, Combs and Doherty starred alongside Alyssa Milano, 50, as sisters and witches who fought the forces of evil. Doherty was fired from the series after three seasons, replaced by Rose McGowan, 50, in Season 4.
Combs alleged on the podcast that it was Milano who demanded Doherty be fired. Combs said she requested a meeting with the show producer’s Jonathan Levin during the series’ run to find out why Doherty left the series.
Doherty, who played Prue Halliwell, agreed. “I lived a year after that sort of replaying everything in my brain and really trying to find those moments,” she said. “I don’t ever remember being mean to her on set.”
“I remember an episode I directed where she did something on the Christmas break,” she added, “and they asked me to work around some things with her and I had no problem with it. I couldn’t have been more kind and understanding.”
Doherty said she still wasn’t quite over the whole situation.
“As you get older, you accept that a situation happened. Acceptance and moving on with your life does not equate to forgiveness,” she said. “You just learn a lesson and look at somebody differently and move on.”
When she departed the show Doherty alluded to behind-the-scenes conflict as the reason. “There was too much drama on the set and not enough passion for the work,” she told Entertainment Tonight in 2001. “I’m 30 years old and I don’t have time for drama in my life anymore.”
She posted a statement on X, formerly Twitter, marking her 51st birthday on Tuesday; it doesn’t directly address the controversy but does speak to “resilience,” “gratitude,” “compassion” and “empathy.”
“Compassion and empathy are two more cheat codes that have helped me reach level 51 status,” she wrote. “Although they can sometimes be uncomfortable emotions to experience, they have shaped me into a kind and humble person who strives to ease the suffering of humanity. The ability to want to understand and share the feelings of others has allowed me to forge deep connections and foster a sense of unity and community.”
Doherty, who has been fighting breast cancer for years, recently shared an update about her battle with her Stage 4 disease. Cancer cells have spread to her bones, Doherty told with People for a cover story.
Doherty continues to undergo treatment and seek clinical trials to join, and wants to dispel the idea that she’s helpless.
