For a long time, Hollywood has been renowned as a place filled with both glory and scandal. Notably, the issues of sexual harassment have frequently plagued the industry, impacting many actresses who have publicly shared their experiences. Recently, the darker side of the film industry has continued to be exposed, particularly involving A-list stars. In her latest memoir, actress Rebel Wilson revealed that comedian Sacha Baron Cohen—who previously collaborated with her on projects like “Grimsby” and “Borat”—once pressured her to perform intimate scenes while filming, which led to her feeling uncomfortable and ultimately leaving the set.
Earlier this March, another A-list actress, Sharon Stone, also recounted a troubling incident involving producer Robert Evans while filming “Sliver” (1993). Stone revealed that co-star Billy Baldwin had psychological issues that made it difficult for them to shoot intimate scenes together. Afterward, Evans had a private meeting with Stone, where he suggested that she should be more comfortable with the filming of intimate scenes.
Demand for intimate scene casting has been a subject of controversy, as many actresses, including Stone and Wilson, have come forward with their experiences in the showbiz industry. Recently, Far Out magazine published an article shedding light on the ugly truths of the film industry, highlighting stories of harassment that have occurred. One notable instance mentioned was actress Jennifer Lawrence’s shocking experience early in her career. The “American Hustle” star revealed that she was once pressured to appear without any clothing, only covered by tape to hide sensitive areas for a scene. When she entered the casting room with producers, she was asked to pose in a manner that made her uncomfortable.
Lawrence described the experience as something she would never forget. She acknowledged that because of her sudden rise to fame, she often found herself escaping from uncomfortable situations. Simultaneously, she recognized that many similar occurrences continue to happen in Hollywood, often reduced to mere footnotes.
Fellow actress Kaya Scodelario, known for “The Maze Runner,” also shared her experience regarding the pressure to perform during auditions. She expressed feeling terrified in front of producers and the pressure to conform to their demands. Fortunately, her representative intervened to protect her.
Actress Amanda Seyfried revealed that she faced similar pressures at the age of 19 while working on set, stating she was reluctant to upset anyone and simply wanted to keep her job. “Looking back, how could I have let that happen? I understand why: at that age, I didn’t want to make anyone uncomfortable; I just wanted to hold on to my job,” said the “Mamma Mia” star.
According to Far Out magazine, the stories shared during auditions have revealed a troubling pattern of harassment in Hollywood. One of the most iconic figures mentioned is Marilyn Monroe, who faced numerous demands for intimate scenes during her time. Monroe herself expressed her discomfort in a previous interview, saying, “I encountered it all the time. There were some outrageous requests, and some were just absurd.” This reflects the deep-seated issues within the Hollywood entertainment industry.
According to reports, approximately 94% of women working in Hollywood have experienced harassment during their careers. Hollywood has witnessed numerous movements advocating for equality and calling for the protection of women in the film industry, such as MeToo and Time’s Up. In recent years, many prominent figures in the film industry, including Harvey Weinstein, Bill Cosby, and James Franco, have faced allegations of misconduct. These “power players” have caused many individuals to lose their careers and reputations due to the toxic culture surrounding them.
Many new methods have been proposed to address these persistent issues. Today, the industry is facing a significant reckoning as the safety of actresses is increasingly prioritized during production processes. Previously, such concerns were often overlooked, primarily based on the experiences of directors and actors. The conversations around these issues are now aimed at determining what practices are appropriate and can be implemented on set. However, without clear regulations, many individuals continue to exploit these vulnerabilities.
Nevertheless, according to the article from Far Out, the harassment culture in the entertainment industry remains prevalent, albeit in more sophisticated forms. At the end of 2023, a Hollywood report revealed that approximately 94% of women working there have experienced harassment in various forms. Notably, the casting couch scenario is often seen as a metaphor that makes many uncomfortable, highlighting the extent of abuse in the industry.
Industry experts assert that this remains a critical issue within Hollywood’s film industry. The culture of “casting on the bed” has become an inseparable part of the industry. Even after movements like MeToo, this issue continues to affect individuals, with many viewing it as a “silent epidemic” within the entertainment sector. Many actresses are still subjected to pressures that can lead to distress for newcomers in the industry, especially those who have yet to build their reputations.
Moreover, another reason contributing to the ongoing harassment culture in Hollywood is that many individuals face numerous obstacles once they achieve fame. Many struggle to continue their careers due to the pressure from production companies. Some may even be subjected to harassment or find themselves in legal troubles because they cannot break free from these toxic environments. Similar to Sharon Stone’s recent experiences, actresses like her have been vocal about their discomfort regarding the industry’s darker side, sharing their struggles within the public domain.
