Leighton Meester draws on personal struggles for 'I Love LA' role

Leighton Meester recently drew on personal struggles playing her role in the new HBO comedy series, I Love LA.

Meester, who plays a stereotypical L.A. publicist in the comedy series, in an interview with PEOPLE, confessed about experiencing toxic work environments which she has experienced before.

"I've been in toxic work environments," the 39-year-old actress, adding, "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."

According to the Gossip Girl alum, the toxic work environment dynamic was "really fun to play with in a safe, comedic environment," like that of the newly released series.

The actress also noted that the fact that she didn't exactly "in some ways, freed me to really feel the thrill of the ride".

In I Love LA series, Leighton Meester’s role is a talent manager boss for Maia, played by Rachel Sennott.

Apart from the duo, the newly released series, which premiered on premiered on November 2, 2025, also stars Odessa A'zion, Jordan Firstman, True Whitaker, and Josh Hutcherson.