I Love LA: Leighton Meester on Finding Safety in Rachel's Show
Leighton Meester found parts of the chaos in I Love LA relatable. She plays a stereotypical LA publicist and boss to Maia (Rachel Sennott) in the HBO series. While her real-life experiences with publicists weren’t mirrored in the show, other aspects resonated deeply.
Experiences with Toxic Work Environments
During an interview, Meester opened up about having been in toxic work environments. She referenced the complex relationship between her character Alyssa and Maia, who seeks a promotion. Reflecting on this, she said:
"I've been in toxic work environments. I think that a lot of people have experienced that, being around people who sort of... I don't know, just, like, you have a boss that maybe doesn't uplift you, or whatever."
Reactions from Co-Stars
Josh Hutcherson, her co-star in the series, expressed surprise at Meester’s admission, asking, "In this industry, that's happened to you?" Meester responded, "It's shocking."
Working in a Safe Environment
Meester reflected on the comfort of working on a show that feels safe. She noted that portraying toxic dynamics in a comedic, secure setting was liberating:
"It was really fun to play with in a safe, comedic environment,"
She added that this experience, in some ways, "freed me to really feel the thrill of the ride."
Author's Summary
Leighton Meester shares her journey from toxic workplaces to finding safety and creative freedom in the comedic world of I Love LA, highlighting the relief and joy of working in a supportive environment.