Casting Couch: Another Name For Sexual Abuse
Women are often forced to exchange sex for favors in the movie
industry...it seems children are now joining the list of victims
By adewalepromotions Dec 20, 2011
Several stars have come forward recently with
casting couch tales, saying they were appalled and shocked they were
asked for sexual favors in order to get coveted jobs in Hollywood.
But for all of the talk of outrage, few of the alleged perpetrators
have been named. In fact, a number of entertainment industry experts and
insiders declined to even comment on the hot-button issue.
So why are entertainment pros mum when it comes to sexual predators in Hollywood?
“Actors don’t name names for several reasons. Many times it is
because they want to move on from that unpleasant experience, or perhaps
they succumbed to it, or the ‘perpetrator’ was so huge that they do not
want to defame that person because they think highly of their work,”
Los Angeles-based celebrity psychologist, Dr. Nancy Irwin, says, “Others
don’t want to be labeled a ‘snitch’ or feel nobody will believe them
because it is such a cliché. Sadly, the cliché does perpetuate, probably
because the creative process in and of itself can be a seductive
process, and the temptation is non-stop in Hollywood.”
Hollywood-based career strategist Suzannah Galland said she hears
many horror stories from friends who are top actresses. These victims
don’t name names “out of fear,” but she says code of silence can turn
tragic.
"Two (friends) have told me of date rapes perpetrated by major male
stars. In both cases, these women agreed to a friendly dinner,” she
said. “One of these friends had no interest in a romantic relationship
at all with the star that was pursuing her, and she made that clear to
him. All the same she was in awe of the man’s talent, and happy to
discuss possible roles with him. An alliance would have been hugely
helpful to her career. So she was trusting when he invited her after
dinner to stop by his hotel, where he had a stack of scripts to show
her. Once the door was shut, he raped her. ’I never told anybody,’ she
explained to me, ‘because he is who he is and I was ashamed.’”
Another friend confided to Galland that she was approached by an
award-winning actor she found attractive. However, when she went back to
his place to “discuss scripts,” things took an ugly turn.
“Even though she was willing to be romanced, that never happened. He
beat her then raped her. She spent years in recovery, conflicted and
ashamed,” Galland explained. “She made no public complaint.’”
According to Irwin, by not revealing the predators, celebrities are
contributing to the problem and putting others at risk of becoming the
next victim.
“I always encourage actors to file a complaint anonymously through
the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) because they care about this issue
deeply,” she said. “It is up to talent to set the boundary and disallow
abuse. If this happens enough, and SAG disciplines the abuser, hopefully
they will seek the professional help they need to halt this
inappropriate and damaging behavior.”
SAG National Director of Affirmative Action and Diversity, Adam
Moore, said that despite gains made over the years toward workplace
equality, performers still often face workplace discrimination and
sexual harassment on set or during auditions.
“Neither discrimination nor harassment is your fault. When you see
or become a victim of discrimination or harassment, don’t ignore it and
don’t pretend it did not happen -- let someone know,” Moore advised,
adding that the issue is taken incredibly seriously by the union. “Have
no fear that this will get out to the industry: your call is entirely
confidential and nothing will be done without your express consent.
Every action taken against this behavior means it is less likely to be
repeated. You have a responsibility to yourself and your fellow Guild
members to see that all performers are treated with respect in the job
search and in the workplace.”
If SAG deems a complaint appropriate, the Guild sends a copy of
their policy along with a letter advising the alleged perpetrator of the
complaint, and demands that the production company involved investigate
the concern and take immediate action to remedy any inappropriate
conduct.
Someone might want to tell some of today’s top stars about SAG’s complaint process.
Megan Fox told British GQ that she was “heartbroken” over the number
of legendary Hollywood directors that had tried to bed her since she
found fame. Lisa Rinna claimed she missed out on a role in a prominent
television series because she refused to give a producer “a quickie.”
Gwyneth Paltrow recently told Elle Magazine that when she was just
starting out it was suggested that a business meeting be finished in the
bedroom. In an interview with People magazine, Charlize Theron divulged
that in her modeling days, she was invited to a well-known director’s
home for a casting call – only to find him in his pajamas mixing drinks.
And in her best-selling book “Suck It, Wonder Woman!” Olivia Munn
dished out a jaw-dropping supply of stories from sleeping with a famous
director in her rookie days to visiting an agent’s home who had a
collage of vaginas on his wall.
And it’s not just women.
"I can tell you that the No. 1 problem in Hollywood was and is and
always will be pedophilia," 80’s sensation Corey Feldman told ABC's
"Nightline" last August. "That's the biggest problem for children in
this industry... It's the big secret."
Hollywood publicist Angie Meyer urges victims, famous or not, to come forward and name names.
“To set a precedent, just one person needs to come forward to
ignite an investigation, and involve authorities,” she said. “In order
for these perpetrators to become fearful of consequence – the
ramifications must be so severe that they risk losing more than their
reputations, job and any continuous Hollywood career.”
But former theatrical agent and founder of online casting service
GotCast.com, Alec Shankman, said that as long as celebrities continue to
their stories – even without exposing the culprit – they are still
helping to curb the problem.
“Hollywood is a very small community and careers are very volatile,
so often people feel that the risks and making waves in the community
might outweigh the desire to speak out and name names,” he explained.
“Unfortunately, it is unlikely that the behavior can be stopped
entirely. Much like sexual harassment in the workplace, it is an ongoing
issue. But as long as young, new talent are properly educated and
informed about all of the legitimate ways to reach success, they will be
more likely to avoid any of the less legitimate opportunities that
might present themselves."
