Sexual Harassment in the Entertainment Industry

20+ Years’ Experience Standing up for Victims in Hollywood & Across the Nation

Sexual harassment is rampant in the entertainment industry, where wealth and status make individuals feel as if they can get away with using their power to say and do what they want. At KMD Law, our sexual harassment lawyer has been fighting back against such individuals for over two decades.

If you’ve been the victim of sexual harassment at the hands of a member of the entertainment industry, we are ready to fight for you. Founding attorney Keith M. Davidson has challenged and defeated powerful figures in Hollywood in the past, and he is willing to do it again for you.

On This Page:

• About the Entertainment Industry
• The Prominence of Sexual Harassment in the Entertainment Industry
• Do I Have a Case?
• What Constitutes Sexual Harassment?
• Protecting Your Rights

If you’re the victim of sexual harassment, we want to get justice for you. Call us today at (833) 456-3529 or contact us online for help.

About the Entertainment Industry

The entertainment industry in the United States is a vast and multifaceted sector that includes a variety of forms of entertainment such as:

• Film: Hollywood, located in Los Angeles, is the epicenter of the American film industry, with major studios like Warner Bros., Disney, and Universal Pictures leading the market. Independent filmmakers also contribute significantly, creating diverse films for niche audiences. Distribution methods include theatrical releases, streaming services, and physical media, with digital distribution rapidly growing.
• Television: Major broadcast networks such as ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox provide free-to-air content, while cable and satellite TV offer specialized channels like HBO and ESPN. Streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ have become prominent, producing original content and offering on-demand streaming. This shift has significantly changed how audiences consume television.
• Music: The music industry is dominated by major labels like Universal Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment, which produce, market, and distribute a wide array of music. Live performances, including concerts and festivals, are crucial revenue sources. Digital distribution via streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music is now the primary mode of music consumption.
• Theater: Broadway in New York City is renowned for high-quality theatrical productions and musicals, attracting audiences worldwide. Regional and community theaters across the country also provide diverse live performances, from amateur to professional levels. These theaters contribute to the cultural richness and accessibility of live theater.
• Video Games: Video game development involves major studios like Electronic Arts and indie developers creating games for various platforms. Distribution has shifted towards digital platforms such as Steam and app stores, although physical copies are still sold. eSports, or competitive gaming, has grown into a significant industry with professional leagues and tournaments.
• Publishing: The publishing industry includes major houses like Penguin Random House and HarperCollins, producing a wide range of books and magazines. Digital publishing, including e-books and online magazines, has become increasingly popular. This shift has changed how readers access and consume written content.
• Live Performances and Events: Large-scale concerts and festivals, such as Coachella and Lollapalooza, draw massive crowds and are major entertainment events. Comedy and spoken word performances, including stand-up comedy and live podcasts, also have a significant following. These events provide diverse and dynamic live entertainment experiences.

Why is Sexual Harassment So Prominent in the Entertainment Industry?

Sexual harassment is widespread in the entertainment industry due to several factors:

• Power Imbalances: The entertainment industry is characterized by significant power imbalances, with a small number of individuals holding considerable influence over the careers of many others. Producers, directors, and executives often have the power to make or break careers, which can lead to a culture of exploitation and abuse. This dynamic makes it difficult for victims to speak out without fearing retaliation or damage to their careers.
• Informal Work Environment: The industry often involves informal settings and interactions, such as parties, auditions, and late-night meetings, where professional boundaries can become blurred. This informality can create opportunities for inappropriate behavior and makes it harder for victims to report harassment, as these environments can lack clear rules and protections.
• Transient Workforce: The entertainment industry relies heavily on freelance and short-term contracts, leading to a transient workforce. This precarious employment status makes workers more vulnerable to harassment, as they may fear losing future job opportunities if they report incidents. The lack of long-term employment contracts also means that protections and support systems can be inconsistent or nonexistent.
• Cultural Factors: There is a long-standing culture in parts of the entertainment industry that normalizes inappropriate behavior and exploitation. Historical precedents, such as the "casting couch" phenomenon, have perpetuated a culture where sexual favors are seen as a means to advance one's career. This culture can make harassment seem like an accepted part of the industry.
• Lack of Accountability: For a long time, the entertainment industry lacked robust mechanisms for accountability and reporting harassment. High-profile individuals were often protected by their status and by powerful networks that prioritized maintaining reputations and avoiding scandals. This lack of accountability has allowed abusive behavior to go unchecked.
• Visibility and Vulnerability: Individuals in the entertainment industry, especially actors and performers, often face intense public scrutiny and pressure to maintain their image. This visibility can make them more vulnerable to exploitation, as their public personas and reputations are closely tied to their professional success. Fear of negative publicity can deter victims from coming forward.
• Awareness and Recent Changes: While these factors have historically contributed to the prevalence of sexual harassment, increased awareness and movements like #MeToo have begun to challenge and change the status quo. Greater visibility of these issues, along with new policies and protections, are slowly helping to create a safer and more accountable industry.

How Do I Know If I Have a Harassment Case?

Many misconceptions surround sexual harassment because instances of it tend to fall into a grey area. People often try to shrug off sexual harassment as a compliment or a joke. What one person perceives as a violent comment or action might not bother another individual. With all the "he said, she said" involved, it can be difficult for a supervisor, jury, or other party to determine who—if anyone—was at fault.

A Reuters/Ipsos national opinion poll from 2017 revealed some interesting perceptions on harassment:

• 47% of Americans believe unprompted compliments on appearance don’t count as harassment
• 44% agreed dirty jokes don’t qualify as harassment
• 1 out of 10 people admitted they were unsure if non-consensual touching counted as harassment

The only person who can decide if harassment occurred is the victim. If someone’s non-consensual comments or actions have had a negative effect on you, that’s harassment—whether that person intended to have that effect on you or not. Even if you’ve only experienced a single instance of harassment, it counts.

What Constitutes Sexual Harassment in the Entertainment Industry?

Sexual harassment in the entertainment industry can encompass various behaviors and actions. It generally refers to unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal, physical, or visual conduct of a sexual nature that interferes with an individual's work or creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive environment.

Some specific examples of what constitutes sexual harassment in the entertainment industry include:

• Unwanted sexual advances or propositions from colleagues, superiors, or industry professionals.
• Inappropriate comments, jokes, or gestures of a sexual nature.
• Offensive or sexually explicit material, such as explicit photographs, videos, or written content.
• Sexual coercion or pressure for favors, promotions, or career opportunities.
• Displaying or circulating explicit or sexually suggestive material in the workplace or at industry events.
• Creating a hostile work environment through persistent unwelcome sexual advances, comments, or behavior.
• Retaliation against those who refuse or report instances of sexual harassment.

The entertainment industry may be infamous for cases of sexual harassment, but it doesn’t have to be. Thanks to the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements, brave individuals are speaking out about injustices every day. If you’re ready to break your silence, we’re here to help.

Protecting Your Rights in the Entertainment Industry

At KMD Law, we understand the unique challenges faced by individuals working in the entertainment industry. Our sexual harassment attorney is dedicated to protecting your rights and ensuring a safe and respectful work environment.

Whether you are a performer, crew member, or industry professional, we have the knowledge and expertise to handle a wide range of harassment cases.

Why choose KMD Law for your harassment case?

• Extensive experience: With over 20 years of experience, our firm has successfully represented victims of harassment in Hollywood and across the nation. We have a deep understanding of the industry and the legal complexities involved in these cases.
• Personalized approach: We believe in providing personalized attention to each client. We will take the time to listen to your story, understand your concerns, and develop a tailored legal strategy to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
• Strong advocacy: Our attorney, Keith Davidson, is known for his strong advocacy and dedication to justice. We will fight tirelessly on your behalf, both in and out of the courtroom, to ensure that your rights are protected and that those responsible for the harassment are held accountable.
• Confidentiality and discretion: We understand the sensitive nature of harassment cases in the entertainment industry. Rest assured that your privacy will be respected throughout the legal process. We will handle your case with the utmost confidentiality and discretion.

If you believe you have been a victim of sexual harassment in the entertainment industry, don't hesitate to contact KMD Law today. We are here to support you and guide you through the legal process, providing the expertise and resources needed to seek justice and obtain the compensation you deserve.

Don’t suffer alone. Contact us now to speak with a sexual harassment lawyer who is willing to fight for you.