“In 2014, there were no support systems,” Patton, 34, recalled during an appearance on “The Open Up Podcast” earlier this month, claiming it was “not easy” to be one of the first Black actresses in the DC television universe. “No one was looking out for that. It was just free range to get abused every single day.”
She continued: “It’s a dangerous place to be in when you’re one of the first, and you’re facing backlash for it and there’s no help. Now, people understand a little better and they understand how fans can be racist, especially in genre, and misogynistic. But at the time it was kind of like: ‘Yeah that’s how fans are, but whatever.’”
After allegedly dealing with rampant racism regarding her casting as the love interest of Barry Allen/The Flash (Grant Gustin), the Game alum also felt a lack of support from her employers. (The CW and Warner Bros. have yet to publicly address her claims.)
“I wanted to leave the show as early as season two. I remember being like: ‘I can’t do this, I’m not gonna make it through, I’m severely unhappy,’” she claimed to podcast host Elliot Knight. “It was more about the protocols in place and the things I see happening for my white counterpart that’s not happening to me.”
