Hollywood is the world’s entertainment capital and the center of the American film industry, often synonymous with glamour, money, and power. While Hollywood is known for making dreams come true, it often does so with a hefty price tag. There is a longstanding reputation for sexual scandals in Hollywood, involving assault, rape, and other forms of abuse. Unfortunately, Hollywood and sexual abuse go hand-in-hand, often at the expense of budding talents, like actors, musicians, models, and child artists trying to succeed in show business.

It is helpful to look back on the history of Hollywood sexual abuse to better understand what constitutes inappropriate physical or verbal sexual behavior, and how one may move forward after experiencing this atrocious crime. Our Hollywood sex abuse attorneys have helped many survivors speak out against influential entertainment businesses and third parties, resulting in significant financial verdicts for the benefit of the survivors.

What is Hollywood Sexual Abuse?

Sexual abuse includes any sexual activity done without mutual consent. It includes acts such as unwanted touching, inappropriate and non-consensual sexual advances, sexual assault, and other similar activities. As a result of the abuse, many people suffer from lingering physical, emotional, and mental effects, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, and addiction.

Celebrity sexual scandals and accusations of misconduct date back to 1921. Back then, it was a lot easier for Hollywood predators to fly under the radar than it is today. Hollywood sexual offenders typically use one or more of the following tactics:

• Rape (including sodomy)
• Child sex abuse, particularly of child actors who are groomed by pedophiles with the intent to make sexual advances
• Sex trafficking
• Drug-facilitated rape
• Being filmed during a sexual act without consent
• Being forced to perform a filmed sex act
• Being asked or forced to perform sexual favors in exchange for career-advancing opportunities, like a role in a movie
• Being coerced, blackmailed, or threatened to perform a sexual act
• Any sexual activity without mutual consent, including when sleeping, intoxicated, or otherwise incapacitated

There have been some positive strides made in the recent past to create more awareness regarding the sexual abuse of entertainment workers. The #MeToo movement in 2017 is one such example. The movement swept the nation with a powerful social message of standing up against harassment, sexual abuse, and the general Hollywood rape culture. Many abuse survivors spoke out at this time, and more perpetrators accused of sexual assault were exposed and ‘canceled,’ including Bill Cosby, Harvey Weinstein, Jeffrey Epstein, Kevin Spacey, and Roger Ailes.

Why Is Sexual Abuse So Prevalent in Hollywood?

Hollywood has a complicated history steeped in scandal, partly because of one big problem: a power imbalance. A disturbing 94 percent of women have experienced some form of sexual assault during their Hollywood careers, with potentially many cases having remained unreported. Sexual harassment and abuse in such cases often involve an influential person, like a famous producer or a successful actor, taking advantage of new talent who is looking for their “big break.”

Thousands of people go to Hollywood yearly for work. The process of securing a job is often gruesome and unglamorous. Given only two percent of actors make a living in the film and music industry, you likely have a better chance at winning the lottery than you do making it in the American entertainment industry.

Sadly, a number of highly influential entertainment executives know the power they hold over undiscovered talent. For those looking for stardom, it takes only one person to change your future, but the chance to land the opportunity might mean falling into a dangerous trap. Powerful individuals such as producers and casting directors might make life-changing promises in exchange for sexual advances or exploitation. Too many people fall prey to this as they feel it is their only road to success.

Sexual abuse, under any circumstance, is never warranted. At Edwards Henderson, we help Hollywood sex abuse survivors hold sex offenders accountable, regardless of their standing, authority, or influence.

Hollywood and Sexual Abuse Statistics

Hollywood is notorious for rampant harassment, coercion, and sexual exploitation. These sexual abuse statistics reveal the harsh reality of the entertainment business:

• According to Helping Survivors, the biggest challenge faced by sexual abuse survivors is their stories not being believed or taken seriously when up against a person of authority in the entertainment industry.
• Child predators run rampant in Hollywood, per BizParentz. Some want to profit from exploiting children, while others are interested in darker habits, such as child molestation and pedophilia.
• Hollywood’s normalization of pornography has created a sex-trafficking epidemic with the average consumer becoming numb to such type of pornography, according to World Help.
• Almost 30 percent of models have experienced inappropriate groping on the job, per Model Alliance.
• Until 2012, there was no law to prevent convicted child molesters from working with children in the entertainment industry, according to Project Casting.

Survivors of abuse often experience blacklisting and retaliation which results in fear-mongering and prevents them from speaking up against sexual misconduct. While it appears that things may be steadily improving, there is still a lacuna in the system when it comes to holding perpetrators accountable. In a study by Women in Film, 83 percent of entertainment professionals surveyed said abuse and harassment have improved only somewhat since the #MeToo movement. While nearly 69 percent of entertainment workers state there is progress in preventing harassment, TV and film workers still cite ongoing problems around unwanted attention, sexual coercion, and assault, according to Hollywood Commission. Unions such as SAG-AFTRA have been helping Hollywood sex abuse survivors with their harassment initiatives, such as sponsored or supported legislations, a 24/7 safety hotline, and other resources.

What is the ‘Me Too’ Movement?

After years of sexual mistreatment, the #MeToo movement is a global effort to support survivors of sexual violence in Hollywood. It was started in 2006 by the #MeToo movement founder Tarana Burke and became a nationwide movement in 2017 after several allegations surfaced against producer Harvey Weinstein. Celebrities like Alyssa Milano, Reese Witherspoon, America Ferrera, Jennifer Lawrence, and Ashley Judd joined together to encourage other women to step forward with stories of abuse. This collaborative campaign resulted in more artists coming forward with sexual assault allegations, forcing the industry to take a closer look at sexual assault.

Hollywood Sexual Assault Allegations

Many sexual assault allegations have surfaced after the news about Harvey Weinstein’s sex abuse set the stage for more revelations of egregious sexual misconduct by others in Hollywood. Notable famous cases involving Hollywood sexual assault allegations include:

• Film producer Harvey Weinstein was accused of sexual harassment and assault by dozens of women.
• Matt Lauer, former Today Show host, was accused by three women of sexual misconduct and inappropriate sexual behavior.
• Louis C.K., a well-known comedian, was accused by five women of sexual misconduct.
• A woman came forward and accused famous actor Dustin Hoffmann of sexually harassing her when she was only 17.
• Approximately 12 female employees with ABC News reported journalist Mark Halperin for sexual harassment.
• CSI: Crime Scene Investigation actor Andy Henry encouraged many women to take off their clothes while on set.
• Several women accused Disney Animation and Pixar Chief John Lasseter of unwanted touching in the workplace.
• Three women accused actor Jeremy Piven of inappropriate misconduct.
• Steven Seagal, an influential actor, was accused by two women of rape.
• Russel Simmons, Def Jam Records founder, was accused by model Keri Claussen of sexual abuse. Another actor accused him of rape in the 1990s.
• At least 24 men came forward against actor Kevin Spacey with allegations of sexual misconduct or assault.
• Singer Bette Midler accused talk show host and journalist Geraldo Rivera of inappropriately groping her on set in the 1970s.
• One man accused Jann Wenner, the Rolling Stone publisher, of sexual harassment.

Hollywood Sexual Assault Convictions

The Hollywood sex offender list includes a number of convictions related to inappropriate sexual misconduct, illicit acts, and inappropriate advances in the film industry, some of which are:

• Roman Polanski, a film director, was charged with six offenses against a 13-year-old-girl, including unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor, rape by use of drugs, perversion, sodomy, and performing a lewd and lascivious act on a child under the age of 14. He pleaded ‘not guilty’ and accepted a plea bargain in exchange for a lesser charge: unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor. Upon finding out he was likely to face prison time and deportation, he fled the country before his formal sentencing took place in 1978.
• Boxer Mike Tyson was convicted of raping an 18-year-old woman in 1992. He served three years in prison for the crime.
• A 19-year-old woman reported that rapper Tupac Shakur and his friends raped her in his hotel room. In 1994, Shakur was acquitted of all three counts of sodomy and associated gun charges due to insufficient evidence. However, he was found guilty of first-degree sexual abuse and “forcibly touching the woman’s butt” in his hotel room.
• Woody Allen was long suspected of having inappropriate sexual relations with minor girls in the 1990s. He was found with nude photos of his partner’s daughter, Soon Yi, and his adopted daughter later accused him of assault as well. Charges were never filed, nor was he found guilty.
• Four women came forward and claimed that actor Danny Masterson raped them in the 2000s. He was sued in civil court by the accusers. He is currently on trial, facing up to 45 years to life in prison if convicted.
• Nearly 60 women claimed that Bill Cosby sexually assaulted them. In 2004, he was found guilty of drugging and sexually assaulting sports administrator Andrea Constand. In 2018, Cosby served three years of his 10-year sentence after his sex conviction was overturned in another criminal case.
• Movie producer Harvey Weinstein was convicted of rape, including sexual penetration by a foreign object, and forcible oral copulation. Dozens of women came forward, though he was only found guilty on three of the seven charges tied to one of his accusers, a model and actor who testified against him in 2013. He is currently serving a 23-year prison sentence.
• For years, R&B star R Kelly engaged in sex trafficking and other illicit acts with young and underage women. Finally, in 2022, a jury found him guilty of nine counts of sex trafficking and racketeering. He is currently serving 30 years in prison and is responsible for a $100,000 fine.
• Netflix reality star Jerry Harris was sentenced to 12 years in prison in 2022 for soliciting sex from minors and pressuring young boys for participating in inappropriate photos and videos.
• Adult film star Ron Jeremy is currently charged with 34 counts of sexual assault and 12 counts of rape. His trial began in May 2022, and if convicted, he faces a lifetime in prison.

Hollywood Sex Trafficking and the Adult Film Industry

Unfortunately, Hollywood is also responsible for sex trafficking and making nonconsensual adult films. It significantly profits from abusive, sexually explicit material that is not only condoned, but often celebrated and glamorized. Most people who watch pornography might not even be aware that many porn stars are products of sex trafficking who are made to ‘perform’ without consent.

With the sex trafficking business generating about $99 billion annually, many industry insiders have fallen prey to serving in the trafficking as well as adult film industry from an impressionable age. For example, adult film star Jenna Jameson was groomed as a child into performing in strip clubs and later, for featuring in pornographic content.

Human trafficking is a global problem that is not restricted to the entertainment industry. Our law firm is dedicated to helping survivors of sex crimes and human trafficking pursue legal recourse against perpetrators and third-party enablers. If you or someone you love is a sex abuse survivor, we encourage you to speak to our experienced sex abuse attorneys to figure out your next steps.

Child Sex Abuse in Hollywood

Recently, a number of stories have surfaced about the devastating sexual experiences of child actors with influential people like producers, actors, coaches, publicity agents, and more. The eye-opening documentary An Open Secret put together the life stories of children who are in a system that funnels them toward pedophiles. For example, former child actor Joey Coleman was allegedly abused by his former manager, Michael Harrah. Here are a few other famous cases:

• In 2005, Michael Jackson was accused of sexually abusing Macaulay Culkin by prosecution witnesses when he was a frequent guest of the late singer. However, Culkin dismissed the accusations saying he was never molested.
• 1980s child star Corey Feldman shared his experiences with Hollywood pedophiles in the A&E TV Series, “The Two Coreys.”
• Former child actor Evan Henzi stated in the documentary An Open Secret that his manager, Marty Weiss, sexually assaulted him for over five years on nearly 40 occasions.
• 13-year-old Samantha Geimer believed she was on the way to a photo shoot for a magazine. Instead, director Roman Polanski took her to a film star’s home and drugged and raped her.

Influential pedophiles within the Hollywood circuit might gain the trust of a child and their family only to engage in child sexual abuse. At Edwards Henderson, we have helped children and their families take action against grooming to hold their abusers accountable. We have also helped numerous adult survivors of child sex abuse come forward with their stories and seek justice for the vile acts of child sexual predators.

I Was a Victim of Hollywood Sex Abuse, What Should I Do?

With thousands of abuse allegations and stories out in the open, more resources are now available to Hollywood sex abuse survivors to demand justice against their abusers. If you have been sexually abused, here are some of the ways to cope with the aftermath:

• Find immediate safety with a friend, family member, or hospital, and cease communication with the abuser or their related professional connections.
• Seek medical attention from a trusted physician. You can request a rape kit to preserve evidence, even if you are not ready to come forward now.
• Focus on healing and recovery. Seek professional treatment from a licensed therapist, participate in sexual abuse survivor groups, and lean on trusted friends and family members for ongoing support.
• Contemplate and research your legal options, including filing a civil sex abuse lawsuit. Whenever you are ready, you may file a sexual assault lawsuit to recover compensation for the damages caused and also, prevent your abuser from hurting others in the future.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Hollywood Sexual Assault and Abuse?

Survivors of Hollywood sexual assault can pursue legal action against their attacker and any third parties that may have enabled the crime. In Hollywood, the latter might include production houses, music businesses, or talent agencies that failed to conduct proper background checks on employees or chose not to take action on reported abuse or allegations from employees, clients, or people involved with the business. It may also include those entities that actively covered up the abuse, especially to protect powerful or influential abusers.

Hollywood and Sexual Abuse: FAQs

1. Am I entitled to financial compensation after being sexually assaulted?

Survivors of sexual assault can seek monetary compensation by pursuing a sex abuse lawsuit. A civil lawsuit allows you to recover damages for sexual assault, including pain and suffering. An experienced sex abuse attorney can help you understand your rights and what evidence you may need to build a strong case.

2. If I did not press criminal charges against my attacker, can I still pursue a civil case?

You do not need a criminal case to pursue a sexual abuse lawsuit. Civil lawsuits are a practical option for survivors to recover damages for the harm suffered. The degree of proof in a civil case is the ‘preponderance of evidence’ or the ‘more likely than not’ standard.

On the other hand, when you press criminal charges, the state takes action against the criminal defendant. Once the charges are proven ‘beyond a reasonable doubt,’ the punishment typically involves sentencing and fines.

3. What is the statute of limitations for sexual abuse in California?

Survivors of sexual abuse have ten years to file a lawsuit in California or three years from the date of discovery. For sexual abuse involving minors, individuals typically have until their 40th birthday or five years from the date of discovery to file a claim and recover possible compensation. It is best to speak to a California sex abuse attorney who can help you with any procedural queries.

4. Is sexual assault common in Hollywood?

In Hollywood, one in 20 women has reported assault, unwanted touching, and harassment during their careers. Sadly, sexual abuse and exploitation have long been the norm in the entertainment industry. However, there have been some efforts in recent years, like the #MeToo movement, that have helped entertainment workers speak out against abuse and prevent more such unfortunate incidents.

5. How much does it cost to hire a sexual abuse attorney?

Attorney fees related to sex abuse cases vary greatly among attorneys. Most lawyers will assess the potential expenses and costs of the case, their legal expertise and resources, the severity of the offense, and the time and effort involved. This might translate to a flat, hourly, or contingency-based fee structure.

At Edwards Henderson, we operate on a contingency fees system which means you only pay if we successfully resolve your case.

We Believe You: Talk to a Compassionate Hollywood Sex Abuse Lawyer

Sexual abuse is a violent, intrusive, and repugnant crime against an individual. It strips individuals of their right to bodily autonomy and often results in effects that last for years or even decades.

Remember, you are never at fault for a sex-related crime. Regardless of how powerful, controlling, or influential the individual or group is, no Hollywood executive, bystander, or organization should get away with sexual abuse. At Edwards Henderson, we help level the unequal field when it comes to fighting for justice against power players. Our compassionate and skillful team of attorneys is here for you to help you get your voice back, so you may focus on healing from your traumatic experience and moving forward in your life. Contact us today for a free and confidential case evaluation.