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High rates of sexual harassment in the media industry

On Behalf of | Aug 1, 2018 | Sexual Harassment At Work

Media professionals in Florida and across the United States are more likely to be subject to unwanted sexual advances at work than in other sectors. According to the results of research conducted by the Center for Talent Innovation, 41 percent of women who work in American media companies report having endured lewd comments, inappropriate attention and other workplace harassment issues during their careers.

The CTI research study was not limited to the media sector; it also covered seven other white-collar industries that reported sexual harassment incidents suffered by 34 percent of women and 13 percent of men. Since the #MeToo movement started with the Harvey Weinstein scandal, it is not surprising to learn that unwanted sexual advances also take place outside of the Hollywood film industry; nonetheless, the high rate of incidence is certainly disconcerting.

One of the problems in the American media sector is that the combination of money and power in an industry ruled by relationships often create a hostile work environment. The Weinstein case is an example of a powerful media figure who abused his position of power to accost women looking to participate in his productions. Similar dynamics were reported in the scandals involving Bill O’Reilly at Fox News and Matt Lauer at NBC.

Sexual harassment in the workplace is not limited to Hollywood; this is an issue that also extends to Boca Raton, Florida. Sexual harassment legal assistance is available to workers who are accosted by superiors or co-workers. In cases of reprisal or wrongful termination due to sexual harassment, plaintiffs may also seek relief if they feel that their actions or complaints resulted in their unjust dismissal.

Source: Variety, “Media Industry Has Highest Incidence of Sexual Harassment Among White-Collar Workers, Survey Finds“, Todd Spangler, 07/25/2018