Penn Badgley calls claims against former co-star Chris D’Elia ‘disturbing’

Penn Badgley is speaking out in the wake of sexual misconduct allegations against his former “You” co-star Chris D’Elia. Badgley, 33, and D’Elia, 40, starred together on the second season of Netflix’s “You.” D’Elia, who has denied the claims that he preyed on underage women in the past, portrayed a beloved comedian who doubled as …

Penn Badgley is speaking out in the wake of sexual misconduct allegations against his former “You” co-star Chris D’Elia.

Badgley, 33, and D’Elia, 40, starred together on the second season of Netflix’s “You.” D’Elia, who has denied the claims that he preyed on underage women in the past, portrayed a beloved comedian who doubled as a sexual predator, drugging and assaulting underage girls.

“The idea that a show like ours would indirectly, unwittingly be a haven for people who are abusive is disturbing,” Badgley told the Los Angeles Times. “It’s very disturbing.”

In his denial of the allegations, D’Elia said he “never knowingly pursued any underage women at any point,” but his agent and manager both dropped him.

The former “Gossip Girl” star also called for policy change, saying the system often protects white people.

“And white men of a particular breed, who are successful and charismatic,” Badgley said. “I think that we need to remember that that is the level of change we’re looking for.”

Badgley also said “You” producers reached out to actress Jenna Ortega, who appeared in scenes opposite of D’Elia, after the allegations surfaced to make sure she felt safe.

Badgley joined comedians Whitney Cummings and Amy Schumer in addressing the accusations against D’Elia. Cummings, who starred opposite D’Elia on her show “Whitney,” said she was “devastated” by the claims.

“This is a pattern of predatory behavior. This abuse of power is enabled by silence. Now that I’m aware, I won’t be silent,” she wrote on Twitter on Saturday. “Girls should be able to be a fan of a comedian they admire without being a sexual target. It’s the adult’s responsibility to be an adult.”