Emily Atack reveals experience of systemic sexual abuse on film sets
Actor Emily Atack has revealed the systemic sexual abuse she has faced on film and TV sets, saying she has been assaulted multiple times throughout her career.
The star of The Inbetweeners was reflecting on her experiences in a new interview with the Radio Times, in which she said: “I’ve been sexually assaulted at work throughout my career, whether it’s on the actual set, or at a wrap party.”
Although she did not provide further details about the incidents, Atack has previously been vocal about the extent of sexual abuse and harrassment she has faced while working in the public eye, particularly online.
Despite her experiences of sexual assaults on sets, the Rivals actor did acknowledge that some progress had been made in terms of making the industry safer for women, such as the rollout of intimacy co-ordinators during sex scenes.
According to Atack, this “shows that people are listening and that there has to be a shift in behaviour on sets,” adding that on previous occasions, she hasn’t always “felt safe all the time”. She also pointed out that intimacy co-ordinators “are there for support if you feel uncomfortable, whether you’re a man or a woman.”
As a result of her own experiences, Atack explained how she is keen to raise her young son “to know how to treat women and know his own worth, so he doesn’t feel he has to follow awful men online that are preying on vulnerable boys.”
She cited the example of the smash Netflix drama Adolescence from earlier this year, which “exposed the truth of what is going on in so many homes” in terms of young boys’ indoctrination towards misogynistic agendas online.
Subsequently, the show has been tipped for 13 Emmys, also making the youngest category nominee ever out of its main star Owen Cooper, for ‘Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie’.
For help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.
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