What Actors Need to Know About Harassment on Set
The Entertainment Industry and Harassment
The entertainment industry has a long and complicated history of sexual harassment and abusive behavior. For decades, stories of harassment have circulated behind the scenes, often silenced by a culture of fear and power imbalances. High-profile sexual harassment cases have exposed just how widespread these issues are, prompting actors and other industry professionals to speak out and demand change. Organizations like SAG-AFTRA have responded by offering resources and support to help eliminate harassment and create safer workplaces. Yet, despite these efforts, the industry still faces significant challenges in addressing harmful behavior and ensuring safety for all. Building a culture of respect and accountability is essential—not just for actors, but for everyone working in the industry. By understanding the root causes of harassment and using available resources, actors can help drive the movement toward a safer, more respectful entertainment industry.
Why Actors Are Especially Vulnerable
The acting industry requires vulnerability. Whether it’s an emotionally charged scene, an intimate performance, or the high-stakes pressure of a major production, actors are often asked to go beyond normal workplace boundaries.
Personal and professional relationships in the acting industry can sometimes blur boundaries, making it important to recognize issues of consent and power.
Add to that the power imbalance present in the industry—between producers, directors, casting agents, and actors—and it’s easy to see why actors are especially vulnerable to harassment. Understanding your rights and protections is the first step to creating safer workspaces and speaking up when something feels wrong.
Defining Sexual Harassment in Acting Workspaces
Sexual harassment includes unwanted sexual attention, comments, advances, or coercion. In acting environments, this can look like:
Inappropriate touching during blocking or scene work.
Suggestive comments disguised as direction.
Pressure to do more in a scene than what was agreed upon.
DMs or texts from someone in power that blur professional lines.
Gossip or sexualized talk in green rooms, dressing rooms, or rehearsal spaces.
Harassment can also include conversations or behaviors of a sexual nature, even if they are not overtly physical.
Understanding these behaviors—even when they’re subtle or disguised as “artistic expression”—can help you name them and take action.
Understanding Your Legal Rights as an Actor
You’re protected under federal and state workplace harassment laws, whether you’re union or non-union. The law protects against harassment and discrimination in employment settings. Additionally:
SAG-AFTRA has sexual harassment and intimacy guidelines, as well as a dedicated reporting system.
Actors’ Equity provides its equity members with resources, legal advocacy, and support for their rights.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act protects workers from harassment and retaliation. Actors can file a claim if they experience harassment or discrimination in their employment. Allegations of harassment or discrimination can have serious legal and career consequences.
The Writers Guild also plays a key role in supporting safe and respectful workplaces for writers and actors.
If you’re unsure of your rights or unsure how to proceed, a union rep or legal nonprofit like the Time’s Up Legal Defense Fund can help.
How to Recognize Harassment When It’s Disguised
“Direction” that crosses boundaries
Some directors blur the line between performance and reality. If “direction” feels invasive or demeaning, it could be harassment.
An assistant director can play a crucial role in supporting actors and ensuring that boundaries are respected on set.
Pressure during intimacy scenes
You should never feel coerced to participate in an intimate scene or do anything on camera that wasn’t previously discussed and consented to—with the option to change your mind at any time.
If you feel uncomfortable at any point during an intimate scene, you have the right to speak up and express your concerns.
It is essential to create a safe space for all actors during intimate scenes, ensuring everyone feels respected and protected.
Coercive compliments or flirty manipulation
Comments like “You’re so sexy when you’re serious” or “That chemistry is real, isn’t it?” may signal manipulation rather than feedback.
These types of remarks can leave actors feeling uncomfortable and unsure about how to respond.
Jokes or comments about appearance or body
Repeated remarks about your body or attractiveness—especially in front of others—can create a hostile work environment.
When these comments are repeated, they can make actors feel bullied and contribute to a workplace that feels unsafe and unwelcoming.
Being isolated or targeted without witnesses
When someone in power waits to make comments or advances when you’re alone, that’s a red flag.
Isolation tactics are often used to make a victim feel powerless or unable to seek help.
Immediate Steps to Take if You Experience Harassment
Document what happened: date, time, location, people involved, what was said/done.
Use tools like MyConnext.org to securely log incidents.
Talk to a trusted peer, union rep, or ombuds—confidentially if needed.
Even if you’re not ready to report, protecting your story and having a paper trail matters. Incidents should be reported as soon as possible to ensure a clear record. Filing a claim can help protect your rights and your job. Taking these steps is important for safeguarding your job and future opportunities.
Emotional Protections and Self-Advocacy
It’s common to feel shame, self-doubt, or confusion. That doesn’t make your experience invalid. To protect yourself emotionally:
Acknowledge and normalize trauma responses. It's normal to feel concern or be concerned about the impact of harassment.
Talk to a therapist familiar with performance-based trauma. Community support is important in processing these experiences.
Join industry-safe spaces or peer groups where you can debrief and get perspective.
Remember, everyone has their own share of responsibility in supporting a safe and respectful environment.
Reporting Options and Escalation Paths
You have options—and you don’t have to go public to take action:
Report anonymously via platforms like MyConnext.
Reach out to your union rep for guidance on internal complaints.
Escalate to HR or legal support only if and when you’re ready.
You can also report incidents directly to the production company or your employer. Production companies and employers are responsible for dealing with harassment reports promptly and effectively. Knowing the process ahead of time makes the decision to report less overwhelming.
How to Prepare for Auditions, Shoots, and Set Days Safely
Safety protocols and harassment policies should be clearly communicated from the first day of employment to ensure everyone understands their rights and expectations.
Set clear boundaries for intimacy, nudity, and emotional labor before arriving on set.
Ask if an intimacy coordinator will be present—if not, request one.
Use buddy systems or text-in/check-in practices if you’re filming in secluded locations.
These practices are especially important for trans actors and other underrepresented groups, who may face unique challenges on set.
A safe environment supports long-term careers in the industry by allowing all professionals to focus on their craft without fear of harassment or discrimination.
A respectful set culture is created through proactive planning and clear communication among all participants.
Taking these steps is essential for protecting your employment rights and opportunities.
Planning ahead doesn’t mean expecting harm—it means claiming your right to a safe, respectful workplace.
The Impact of High-Profile Cases on Set Culture
The exposure of high-profile sexual harassment cases has fundamentally changed the conversation around safety and respect on set. Movements like #MeToo have empowered actors and crew members to share their stories, making it clear that preventing harassment is a shared responsibility. Industry leaders have spoken out, calling for stronger policies and more transparent reporting systems. Productions are increasingly providing training on preventing harassment, establishing clear procedures for reporting concerns, and creating safe spaces where actors feel comfortable speaking up. However, changing set culture requires ongoing commitment from everyone involved. All members of a production—actors, directors, crew—must be aware of their role in maintaining a respectful environment. By fostering open communication and supporting those who report inappropriate behavior, the industry can continue to move toward eliminating harassment and ensuring safety for all.
Resources and Support for Actors
If you experience harassment or abuse on set, you are not alone—there are resources and support systems designed to help you. Unions like SAG-AFTRA and Actors’ Equity Association offer guidance on preventing harassment, reporting incidents, and understanding your rights. Many productions now have clear policies for reporting harassment and may provide access to counseling services, support groups, or legal assistance. Intimacy coordinators are increasingly present during intimate scenes to ensure actors feel safe and respected. It’s important for actors to be aware of these resources and to know how to access them if needed. By reaching out for support and using available reporting channels, actors can protect themselves and help create a safer, more respectful industry for everyone.
Your Body, Your Boundaries, Your Rights
You are not alone—and you are not powerless. Actors have the right to safe sets, informed consent, and boundaries that are respected. Trust your instincts. Speak up when something feels off. And remember: every time you advocate for yourself, you make the industry safer for everyone.
