Entertainment Industry Sexual Harassment Lawyers

According to a survey conducted by the Center for Talent Innovation (CTI), about 41% of women in media and entertainment have been sexually harassed at one point. With the revelations of multiple women coming forward in the wake of the #metoo movement, that number may be grossly underreported. Furthermore, many sexual harassment victims in the entertainment industry sign non-disclosure agreements (NDA) which also silence their plights.

Another problem in the entertainment industry is that many men and women do not have an understanding of the laws surrounding sexual harassment. Boundaries are often blurred, but the Entertainment Industry Sexual Harassment Lawyers at Miracle Mile Law Group can help. Our lawyers are trained at securing favorable outcomes in entertainment industry lawsuits.

Are Entertainment Industry Sexual Harassment Lawsuits Confidential?

One huge concern out clients in the entertainment industry have is confidentiality. We understand that once filed, lawsuits enter the public domain. Aspiring actors and actresses often do not want a looming lawsuit affecting their career in Hollywood. Miracle Mile Law Group understands the fragile and often times sensitive nature of sexual harassment lawsuits within the Hollywood circuit. In these situations, our lawyers can often times come to an amicable resolution of the case without filing a lawsuit.

How Do I Know If The Producer, Director, or Other Executive is Sexual Harassing Me?

At first glance this seems like an easy question. Most people know if someone else is crossing the line, either physically or verbally. However, it is not always so simple. For example, the line between flirting and sexual harassment can be tough to discern. It is important to remember that sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination. In essence, you are being treated less favorably than other employees because you are a man or women.

Essentially there are two types of sexual harassment: hostile work environment sexual harassment and quid pro quo sexual harassment. However, there are subsets of sexual harassment that give rise to other claims.

Causes of Actions that Occur Along With Sexual Harassment

Hostile Work Environmentthis occurs when the work environment becomes so intolerable that a reasonable person would find it uncomfortable. Common conduct that creates a hostile work environment includes sexual advances, suggestive remarks, sexual jokes, among other things.

Assault, Battery, Sexual Assault: Sexual assault and battery occurs when one person sexually and physically touchers another person without consent. This cause of action gives rise to civil penalties, but you should contact law enforcement if you have been sexually assaulted because there are criminal penalties as well.

Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment: this occurs when an entertainment industry executive, director, a producer or someone else with power offers an advantage at work in exchange for a sexual favor. Quid pro quo sexual harassment is the most common form of sexual harassment in the entertainment industry. It’s the type of sexual harassment that Harvey Weinstein used to prey on his victims for years. Often times, aspiring actresses are lured by the opportunity of Hollywood and are unaware that this type of behavior is illegal.

Wrongful Termination: if you believe you were fired because you were sexually harassed, because you reported the sexual harassment, or because you opposed sexual harassment, then you may have a claim for wrongful termination. You can bring this claim against Hollywood executives in addition to your sexual harassment claim.

Retaliation: being fired is a form of retaliation. But it is not the only form. Demotions, could-shoulder treatment, and other unfair treatment can be a form of retaliation.

Whistleblower Retaliation: reporting sexual harassment gives rise to a separate and distinct cause of action (i.e. a reason to sue) under the law. Under California Labor Code section 1102.5, you cannot be retaliated or terminated for opposing such despicable behavior. Labor Code 1102.5 is also known as California’s whistleblower statute.

What Types of Compensation Can I Receive for Hollywood Sexual Harassment Lawsuits?

If you have been sexually harassed, there are a couple different forms of financial rewards you can receive. These include back pay, front pay, punitive damages, and emotional distress damages.

Back pay seeks to put you in the place you would have been if you were not fired all the way up until trial. For example, if you get fired and it takes you 6 months to find a new job, then you may be entitled to 6 months’ worth of pay.

Front pay compensates you similarly to back pay. However, front pay relates more to your future loss of earnings.

Punitive damages attempt to punish your employer for their behavior. The logic and public policy behind punitive damages is that by punishing the Hollywood elite such as Harvey Weinstein, then others will be deterred from doing similar action in the future.

The last form of damages you can receive in a Hollywood Sexual Harassment Lawsuit is emotional distress damages. Emotional distress, also known as pain and suffering, is a concept that is difficult to put a number on. For example, you can evaluate your medical bills, your therapy costs, but you can also receive compensation for the anxiety and depression you have suffered. This is where a skilled attorney can help. The lawyers at Miracle Mile Law Group have spent a great deal of time assisting those with emotional distress caused by greedy employers.

Do I Need a Lawyer for My Entertainment Industry Sexual Harassment Lawyer?

If you have been sexually harassed by a Hollywood director, executive, or producer, you may wish to contact the lawyers at Miracle Mile Law Group immediately. Our attorneys can help you file a lawsuit to get you the compensation you deserve. In addition, our lawyers will help you gather physical evidence, interview witnesses, file paperwork, and fight for you in court. Our attorneys are standing by at (213) 433-3588 or you can fill out the form to speak to an attorney now.