Actress Sophia Bush has revealed she endured an array of "abusive treatments" while working on a television show, sharing her harrowing ordeal during an episode of Monica Lewinsky's podcast "Reclaiming" that premiered on Tuesday. Although Bush refrained from mentioning the show by name, she provided subtle hints, such as the timing of her departure, leading many to speculate that she was referring to her years on NBC's hit procedural drama "Chicago P.D.," where she portrayed Detective Erin Lindsay. After 84 episodes, Bush left the series, having previously described her tenure as an arduous journey.
"Following 'One Tree Hill,' I was in a prime spot and eagerly anticipated what lay ahead," Bush recounted. "I embarked on a comedy I adored for CBS. Subsequently, I joined another show that had long been on my bucket list, only to encounter a whole new trauma. I faced a relentless workplace ordeal orchestrated by someone old enough to be my father. I wondered, what in the world was happening?"
Prompted by Lewinsky to clarify whether she was referring to an inappropriate professional or romantic relationship and whether it involved emotional or other forms of abuse, Bush responded, "It was professional — and encompassed every conceivable type of abuse. Reflecting now, I had the chance to leave after two years. Drawing from past experiences, I vowed, 'I won't let anyone diminish my integrity.' I resolved to remain unperturbed, to focus on my work despite it all. But I couldn't."
Bush continued, painting a vivid picture of her struggle, "The ensuing two years were akin to a physical inferno. I experienced spontaneous illness, waking up covered in hives, enduring wild weight fluctuations, witnessing my hair shed, grappling with insomnia, and suffering from crippling anxiety — an anomaly for an extrovert who thrives on human connection. Public touch sent me into a frenzy. Conversations with strangers became impossible. I could barely tolerate being seen. Each day, I prepared for battle at work. I had to perfect the art of blocking scenes to avoid physical contact."
Bush exited the series in April 2017, just prior to the #MeToo movement gaining momentum. That October, she received a phone call from an executive expressing regret for their actions — or lack thereof. "I was contacted by an executive who apologized for their complicity," she revealed. "They admitted, 'We're fully aware we narrowly escaped unscathed.' My response was, 'I'm glad you did. I'm knee-deep in therapy and battling Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. But I'm relieved you didn't face public scrutiny. Fantastic for you.'"
Bush noted that when she confided in others about her ordeal, the sheer terror on their faces served as validation. "It dawned on me, 'I'm not crazy. I was merely in an environment where no one wanted to listen because it threatened the status quo,'" she said.
Previously, during an appearance on the "Armchair Expert" podcast, Bush had specifically discussed her time on "Chicago P.D.," stating, "Towards the end of my stint, I was probably hard to be around due to the immense pain and neglect I felt. It was as if I was standing naked, bruised, and bleeding in Times Square, screaming at the top of my lungs, yet no one stopped to offer assistance."
NBC did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Meanwhile, Bush has returned to broadcast television this season with a recurring role on ABC's "Grey's Anatomy."
