NYC Entertainment Sexual Harassment Lawyers

Last updated on February 9, 2026

New York City is known for being an entertainment epicenter. From television to music to Broadway, people come from all over the world to have their shot in the city’s competitive arts and entertainment industry. However, like many other competitive industries, entertainment can still have a pervasive sexual harassment problem, even after the reckoning of the #MeToo movement.

At Eisenberg & Baum, LLP, we know that beneath the fame and prestige lie countless people with dreams who have fallen victim to sexual harassment as they try to advance their careers. You should not have to endure this kind of mistreatment and if you have, we are here to help you seek justice.

Challenges To Combatting Sexual Harassment In The Entertainment And Media Industry

Out of all the industries that have a sexual harassment problem, the causes for it in the entertainment industry can be challenging to pin down. However, there are a few commonly held conceptions as to why it’s so rampant. They include:

• A culture of silence and secrecy: If someone in the entertainment industry faces unwelcome harassment, especially by a high-profile figure, many victims just decide to keep their experiences to themselves as they don’t want to bring about negative consequences and get blacklisted from future opportunities. High-profile individuals or other industry leaders may also make victims sign nondisclosure agreements to prevent them from speaking about what happened.
• Significant gaps in power dynamics: Due to the extremely hierarchical nature of the entertainment industry, people can find themselves in situations where those who wield considerable power and influence may exploit people with lower status through quid pro quo or in other ways. Part leveraging those power dynamics may include creating a hostile work environment or engaging in sexual advances toward those with less industry leverage.
• Differences in employment status: Many entertainment and media jobs are contract or freelance, and these workers don’t always have the same legal protections as full-time workers, making their ability to report harassment more complicated.
• Institutional encounters: Actors and others may find that they are harassed or taken advantage of through the institutions they are trying to work within. For example, a director asks an actor to perform roles in a sexual nature as part of their audition or asks them to perform sexual acts on them to work out a specific scene in a film or play.

Identifying what constitutes harassment and what does not in this industry can be difficult. However, find yourself in any of these situations or those that make you feel uncomfortable. You can call us at 212-847-4999 and we can answer any questions you may have.

What Legal Protections Do Media Employees Have In New York City?

The main ones that can provide sexual harassment protections for people in New York include:

• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act: This act prohibits discrimination, including sexual harassment, in employment.
• New York City Human Rights Law: This law can provide robust protections against workplace sexual harassment, including for those who work in media.

These laws can ensure that employees have the right to be in an environment free from workplace sexual harassment or discrimination.

Will Your Sexual Harassment Claim Be Public Information As An Entertainment Worker?

While legal proceedings can become public, many cases are resolved confidentially. Consulting with an attorney can help you understand the privacy aspects and implications of your claim. That way, you can explore what options you have available to protect your identity.

Local Resources For New York City Sexual Harassment Victims In Entertainment And Media

If you are dealing with sexual harassment while working in the media and entertainment industries, we have linked to some additional resources that can help you.

• Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA): Provides support and advocacy for media professionals facing workplace harassment.
• New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT): Offers resources and community support for women who experience sexual harassment in the film industry, television industry, entertainment industry and media industry.

For more information on how to identify, report and file a sexual harassment claim, please visit our sexual harassment page.

Seek The Representation You Deserve Today During A Free Consultation

If you are facing sexual harassment in New York City’s entertainment industry, let us advocate for you. Schedule a free consultation by calling 212-847-4999 or by visiting our contact form page.