How could their friends help them? Also, please don't drift into academia.

"Staff also complained that Schneider 'enabled his behavior.' Most of the staff’s frustrations seem aimed at Kelly though, as one person claimed he was 'also mean to Sarah.' 'She is in a toxic professional relationship with him,' a production source added." 

~ Kendall Cunningham

https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-other-two-behind-the-scenes-drama-was-apparently-an-open-secret