Sexual Harassment in Film and TV: Understanding Your Rights and Options

Sexual harassment on film and television sets is a pervasive workplace issue that affects workers across all levels of the entertainment industry. Unlike consensual workplace relationships or professional interactions, sexual harassment involves unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that creates a hostile work environment or affects employment decisions.

Shifting Away From Silence

In the entertainment industry, sexual harassment can manifest in various forms: inappropriate comments about appearance or sexuality, unwanted physical contact, quid pro quo situations where career advancement depends on sexual compliance, or the creation of a sexually charged environment through explicit conversations or materials.

The industry's unique characteristics—including location shoots, long hours in close quarters, power imbalances between directors and talent, and the "artistic" justification for boundary-crossing—can make harassment particularly complex and difficult to address.

Sexual harassment is not only morally wrong but also illegal under federal Title VII protections and state civil rights laws. It affects victims' mental health, job performance, and career trajectories while creating liability risks for productions and damaging industry culture overall.

The entertainment industry's history of silence around sexual misconduct has begun to shift, but many workers still feel afraid to speak up due to fears of retaliation, career damage, or not being believed. However, every worker has the right to a workplace free from sexual harassment, regardless of their role, contract status, or project timeline.

If you're experiencing sexual harassment on set, know that this behavior is unacceptable, illegal, and not something you have to endure alone. Understanding what constitutes harassment, recognizing your legal protections, and knowing your options for reporting and support can help you take action to protect yourself and your career.