It’s been two decades since US drama The OC premiered on TV screens – becoming the teen soap opera that truly defined the early 2000s.
For four years, young adults worldwide were hooked on the rise and fall of the elite in Orange County, California – including stars like Mischa Barton, Rachel Bilson and Adam Brody.
The soap was full of twists and turns and a ton of scandals, and it’s fair to say it was revolutionary for its time – setting up a whole new genre of television to follow.
READ MORE: The OC’s Mischa Barton says she was urged to sleep with Leonardo DiCaprio aged just 19
But it appears the drama spilled off-screen too, as there’s been plenty of controversies amongst the star-studded cast.
So, as fans of the show celebrate The O.C turning 20 years old, Daily Star is taking a look at the biggest cast controversies.
‘A really bad attitude’
The O.C was a smash hit when it first premiered, bagging over 7 million viewers an episode, as well as countless awards.
But despite its success, apparently behind scenes of the show there was a toxic atmosphere on set.
Tate Donovan, who played Jimmy Cooper told Vulture: “By [season three], the kids had developed a really bad attitude.
“They just didn’t want to be doing the show anymore. It was pretty tough; they were very tough to work with.”
According to Cam Gigandet, who appeared in seasons three and four as bad boy Kevin Volchok, The O.C cast members never put any effort into remembering their lines.
“Those kids were f***ing miserable,” he told Elle. “They were just—they would not remember their lines on purpose. They were young.”
‘Nightmare to work with’
Marissa Cooper star Mischa Barton left the show in 2006 when her character was dramatically killed off in a shock twist.
In 2021, she claimed the reason behind her exit was due to on-set bulling – but a month later, a source claimed it was Mischa who was a “nightmare” to work with.
The insider alleged to Page Six that she exhibited some diva-like behavior and had a momager who was “annoying.”
Mischa could also allegedly “show up late” for filming consistently – with the source branding the situation as a “mess.”
However, in response to the article, Mischa spoke to Page Six in a statement of her own: “There was a lot going on.”
“Whether I was late or not doesn’t excuse certain behavior from individuals in powerful positions. Everyone experiences things differently and where I acknowledge some of my past behavior may not have been helpful in certain instances, I will tell my truth when I feel ready.”
Cast feuds
It’s not news that several stars of the show had trouble getting along with one another.
Much like their characters, Cam and Ben McKenzie (Ryan Atwood) were not on good terms – with the latter accused of being “a bit of an a**” to Cam.
Cam told Elle: “Actually, Ben McKenzie was kind of mean to me. I hadn’t done anything at that point and he was a little bit of an a**. But I love him. I think he’s a great actor and I love Southland.”
Ben did admit he was a “jerk” at some point during his career, revealing on the podcast Making It With Riki Lindhome, that he felt “guilty” about being famous at a young age.
Mischa Barton and Rachel Bilson (Summer Roberts) were also reported to not have been so chummy in real life.
Back in 2004, Mischa spoke to Elle where she appeared to take a dig at Rachel’s looks.
“She’s way more overtly sexual than I am. She is so petite and I am so tall and lanky,” she said.
“I think I’d be scared of having her voluptuousness. I like being understatedly sexy.”
Drink drive scandal
Much like her character, things slowly took a turn for the worse for Mischa in the late noughties – who became involved in heavy drinking and substance abuse.
In 2007, she was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, possession of marijuana, and driving without a valid license.
Talking about her arrest, the star told Ryan Seacrest on his radio show: “Obviously, I’m 100% responsible for my actions in this case, and I’m really disappointed in myself.”
In July 2009, Mischa was hospitalised in a psych ward. At the time a source told E! she was admitted for “suicidal” actions.
Though she tried to revive her career by appearing on Dancing With The Stars, Mischa was admitted to hospital again in 2017 after a neighbour reported she was behaving erratically.
Co-star break up
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On the show Rachel and Adam Brody played Summer Roberts and Seth Cohen, respectively.
The characters were high school sweethearts who got married before the show went off the air.
And away from the cameras, Rachel and her co-star Adam dated in real life for three years.
She told Teen People about their relationship in April 2006: “We always have a lot to talk about, and we tell each other everything.
“I feel like I have everything now — the dog, the house, the job and him. I can’t ask for anything more!”
However, in 2006 Rachel and Adam sadly called it quits after three years with a source at the time claiming they “just grew apart” and had a “typical romance.”
The pair have seemed to remain good friends since.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
