On-Set Abuse & Hostile Environments
Homophobia Against David Yost: David Yost, the original Blue Ranger, revealed he left the show in 1996 because he was tired of being harassed by production crew members who frequently used homophobic slurs against him.
Conversion Therapy: After leaving the show due to the hostile work environment, Yost reportedly underwent conversion therapy for two years in an attempt to change his sexuality before ultimately suffering a nervous breakdown.
Criminal Underpayment: Despite being part of a billion-dollar brand, the original cast was paid roughly $600 a week and received no residuals for reruns or toy sales.
Lack of Union Protection: Because the show was a non-union production, actors were often denied standard industry protections, health insurance, and fair wages.
Forced to Film During Earthquakes: During the massive 1994 Northridge earthquake, production reportedly demanded the cast continue filming despite the severe destruction across Los Angeles.
Hazardous Stunts: Actors were frequently pressured to perform their own stunts without adequate safety gear to minimize costs, leading to numerous on-set injuries.
Heat Stroke Incidents: Filming in heavy spandex and rubber suits in high California heat often led to actors suffering from heat exhaustion and dehydration.
Exploding Props: On-set pyrotechnics often used excessive explosives for “spark” effects; one actor reportedly suffered minor burns when a prop malfunctioned during a scene.
The “Great Walkout” of 1994: Austin St. John, Thuy Trang, and Walter Jones left the show mid-way through Season 2 after production refused to negotiate for union-level pay or safer working conditions.
Recycled Scenes: To cover the sudden departure of the three original Rangers, production used old voice clips and body doubles in costumes for several episodes before officially introducing their replacements.
Controversies & Legal Battles
Austin St. John’s Federal Charges: In 2022, Austin St. John (the original Red Ranger) was arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud for his alleged involvement in a scheme to fraudulently obtain COVID-19 relief funds.
The “Morphin” Drug Controversy: The Malaysian government banned the show in the 1990s because they were concerned the word “Morphin” would encourage children to use the drug morphine.
Banned for Violence: Due to concerns over the level of physical combat, the show was heavily edited or banned in countries like Canada and New Zealand during its initial run.
Racial Coding Criticisms: The show faced long-standing criticism for its initial casting choices—specifically casting a Black actor as the Black Ranger and an Asian actress as the Yellow Ranger.
Gun Controversy: In response to parental concerns about gun violence, the Rangers’ iconic “Blade Blaster” sidearms were largely phased out in later seasons in favor of more martial arts-focused combat.
Assassination Attempt on JDF: At Phoenix Comicon in 2017, a man named Matthew Sterling was arrested with multiple real firearms and a knife; he had planned to kill Jason David Frank.
Samuell Benta’s Stolen Banner: Operation Overdrive actor Samuell Benta became a pariah in the fan community after he was accused of stealing a unique autograph banner intended for a charity auction.
Rene Naufahu’s Crimes: The actor who played Mentor Ji and Emperor Gruum was sentenced to home detention in 2017 after pleading guilty to six counts of indecent assault.
Monica May’s Burlesque Career: Monica May, who played the Yellow Ranger in S.P.D., faced significant online harassment from some fans after she transitioned into a career as a burlesque dancer and adult content creator.
Trakeena Actress Walkout: Amy Miller, who played the villain Trakeena in Lost Galaxy, reportedly walked off the set of a crossover episode due to a pay dispute, leading her character to be replaced by a masked version for the rest of the episode.
