Disney and 20th TV Face Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Over ‘Doctor Odyssey’ Set Misconduct

Three former members of the props department on ABC’s Doctor Odyssey have filed a lawsuit against Disney and 20th Television, alleging severe sexual harassment, workplace retaliation, and wrongful termination.

Filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, the lawsuit names Caroline Mack, Alicia Haverland, and Ava Steinbrenner as plaintiffs. The trio was hired in mid-2024 to join the newly launched medical drama’s props team. Shortly after, the production employed Tammie Patton as Prop Master and her husband Tyler Patton as Assistant Prop Master — both of whom directly supervised the plaintiffs.

According to the complaint, the props department became “an unlawful den of sexual harassment and retaliation.” The plaintiffs allege a prolonged pattern of misconduct led by Tyler Patton and other male crew members. Specific allegations include repeated unwanted physical contact, inappropriate gestures, sexual jokes, and a hostile working environment.

The lawsuit also describes instances where the plaintiffs reported the harassment to senior production staff, including Tammie Patton. However, instead of intervention, the plaintiffs claim they were subjected to retaliatory behavior — such as demeaning assignments and threats to their employment.

Despite being made aware of the misconduct, the complaint states that Disney and 20th Television’s human resources department failed to act. “Defendants’ HR and senior management permitted frustrated producers to manage the issue independently, which led to further mistreatment and emotional distress,” the filing reads.

In August, the entire props department was informed of its termination — a decision that was enacted in late September. According to the plaintiffs, this move served to eliminate both the accused (the Pattons) and the victims.

In addition to sexual harassment and retaliation, the plaintiffs are claiming negligent hiring practices. The lawsuit references prior allegations against Tyler Patton during his time on Fox’s early-2000s medical drama House, which reportedly involved overlapping staff.

The plaintiffs are seeking a jury trial and are pursuing damages for emotional distress, loss of employment, and failure of the employer to ensure a safe working environment.

Doctor Odyssey, created by Ryan Murphy and starring Joshua Jackson and Don Johnson, premiered in September 2024. Its future remains uncertain, as it was absent from ABC’s recently announced Fall 2025 schedule.