Facing Bullying & harassment in the Creative Industry
Experiencing bullying and harassment as an adult is disorientating in a way no one really prepares you for. While the two can overlap, they aren’t always the same thing - but both can be serious, and both deserve to be spoken about more, especially in an industry where power imbalances can be exploited, leaving many people vulnerable.
When you experience bullying or harassment, it can really shake you. You may be left questioning your own behaviour, second-guessing your memories, or wondering whether you're just being "too sensitive" or that what is being said about you is, in fact, true. Because most of us would never resort to bullying as an adult, so it can be hard to recognize it in others.
So let me say this clearly:
If someone is consistently using power, status, fear, or manipulation to belittle, exclude, undermine or control you - that is bullying. And naming it for what it is, is the first step in taking your power back.
I should note before continuing though, that not every difficult or uncomfortable interaction is bullying. (More on that at the end!) Sometimes conflict or misunderstandings happen without malicious intent. It can be helpful to consider intent versus impact, and where possible, seek clarification before labeling behaviour as bullying.
My Experience: Then and Now…
When I was in drama school, I experienced bullying that was very different from the playground taunts and close-proximity bullying I’d encountered growing up. Instead, it was exclusion, criticism, belittlement, and humiliation from someone in a position of authority. At the time, I didn’t have the confidence or assuredness to recognise what was happening, let alone to call it out. I just thought I was the problem.
Over a decade later, I found myself in similar emotional territory in the professional world, where someone has used gossip, manipulation, threats, and intimidation in response to my advocacy work. At first, the same confusion crept in: Should I have done something differently? Did I make it worse? Am I a bad person? Despite being full of confidence now, I’m still a sensitive soul - and even with everything I’ve learned, it wasn’t until someone else saw what was happening to me and named it as bullying that I was able to see it clearly, stop internalising it, and begin to reclaim my power.
Being a victim of bullying can feel isolating and confusing - so when trying to understand your experiences, it can help to seek a neutral perspective, whether from a trusted friend, mentor, or professional, and look for repeated patterns over time rather than isolated incidents. This kind of self-reflection can be a healthy way to check your perceptions and support your wellbeing.
I didn’t react emotionally to the behaviour I was being subjected to - and seeking support from an outside eye helped me respond with clarity and strength, rather than from a place of hurt or confusion.
What Bullying and harassment in the Industry Can Look Like…
Being regularly talked over, interrupted, or having your contributions ignored
Exclusion from key conversations, groups, or opportunities without explanation
Having your ideas or work dismissed, mocked, or taken credit for
Unwanted comments, attention, or behaviour of a personal or sexual nature that creates an unsafe environment
Hearing sarcastic, belittling, or mean-spirited comments
Subtle or overt pressures to conform, stay silent, or accept uncomfortable behaviour
Pressure to tolerate or engage in inappropriate conduct to “keep the peace” or avoid losing work
Being made to feel replaceable, not good enough, or like you “don’t belong”
Facing retaliation, smear campaigns, or loss of work for setting boundaries or speaking up
Being threatened or purposely intimidated, especially someone in a position of power lauding said power over you
Hearing or being targeted by gossip, whisper networks, or professional sabotage
Abuse of authority where professional opportunities are tied to personal compliance or silence
Being belittled, shamed, or humiliated - publicly or privately
Having your mental health weaponised against you
The person causing harm playing the victim, shifting blame, or accusing you of bullying if you speak up
If You’re Experiencing bullying…
First: You’re not imagining it.
Second: You are not alone.
And third: You are allowed to protect yourself.
Some things that have helped me and others:
Write it down. Document dates, behaviours, screenshots, and how it made you feel.
Speak to someone you trust. Don’t isolate yourself. Find your people and say it out loud.
If you are being bullied by someone in a position of perceived power or authority - reach out to someone else in a similar field to let them know and seek support. The hierarchy of this industry is often designed to keep you quiet and unsure, but there are people higher on the ladder who do not tolerate abusive behaviour - and will stand beside you, believe you, and help advocate if needed.
Only if you feel comfortable, and if it’s appropriate in your situation, you might choose to have a conversation with the person causing harm. For some, an open and honest dialogue can help reclaim power, set boundaries clearly, and address misunderstandings before they escalate. It may rarely be the right route in cases of serious bullying or harassment - but know that it’s an option that may help you feel more in control of how you respond.
Don’t try to fix them. Boundaries > explanations. You don’t owe a bully clarity or forgiveness.
Remember your values. Their behaviour doesn’t get to rewire your integrity.
Leave the situation if you need to. Walking away from toxicity is not failure - it’s self-respect.
Read up on narcissistic behaviour and manipulation tactics. I’m not here to say that all bullies are narcissists - but this industry can attract people with narcissistic traits, especially in positions of control. Understanding things like love-bombing, blame-shifting, and DARVO (Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender) can help you recognise patterns, protect your peace, and respond from a place of knowledge rather than fear.
It’s important to note that bullying and harassment can overlap, but they are not always the same thing. Bullying generally involves repeated, intentional harm through power imbalances, while harassment can consist of unwanted behaviour that may be one-off or ongoing. Understanding these distinctions can help you better name and address your experiences.
Next Steps
Equity, the UK performers’ union, clearly states that everyone in the industry has the right to dignity at work and when seeking work. That means freedom from bullying and harassment - and support if you're experiencing it. Equity also emphasizes the importance of speaking up, assuring members that every conversation is confidential and will not proceed further without your consent.
https://www.equity.org.uk/advice-and-support/dignity-at-work/bullying-harassment/
In reality it can feel very difficult to ‘prove’, especially when experiences can be subtle, emotional, or lacking physical evidence. That’s why documenting everything you experience is important. Start writing it down: note dates, times, what was said or done, and how it made you feel - even if it’s just for yourself. Keeping a personal journal doesn’t need to be formal but it can become vital, whether you’re processing or deciding to report later on.
Here are some other things you can do to take care of yourself, emotionally and practically:
Seek wellbeing support. If you’re feeling really upset or overwhelmed, talking to a therapist or counsellor (especially someone with experience in creative industries) can make a huge difference. I recommend Annemarie Lewis Thomas who offers a free first session with no obligation to follow up. You can also visit Applause for Thought for wellbeing support, resources, and services.
Take a break if you need to. Stepping away from the industry - whether for a day, a week, or longer - is not weakness. It’s a reset.
Reconnect with joy. Re-engage with the parts of your craft that make you feel alive - writing, movement, voice work, filming with friends, or just watching something that reminds you why you love storytelling.
Remind yourself of your power. You are bigger and stronger than the version of yourself a bully has tried to reduce you to. Their behaviour does not define your worth, your talent, or your future. What I now know is that people who feel threatened by accountability will always try to reframe it as an attack - but you are reclaiming your power by standing up for yourself, or reporting the behaviour - not attacking. Holding someone to account is not the same as causing harm.
Speak out - if and when you’re ready. Sharing your story, whether privately or publicly, can help dismantle the culture of silence that enables this behaviour to continue. People who bully - whether overtly or covertly - rely on your silence to keep their power intact. Even just speaking to a friend helps take your power back.
to finish…
Actors, and all creatives, deserve workplaces that are safe, inclusive, and rooted in care - not fear. We should all be working towards an industry that feels safe and able to name harm, protect ourselves, and value humans over hierarchy. Finding the courage to speak up not only reclaims your own power but also breaks the cycle of silence, helping to create safer, more respectful spaces for everyone.
And finally, remember this:
Sometimes, people bully because they crave control or feel entitled to power. But often, they lash out when you hold up a mirror to their behaviour. That doesn't mean you’ve done something wrong - it means you’ve done something right. Their discomfort is not your burden. Their tactics are not your truth. You are not the problem, they are.
Bullying has far-reaching implications, many of which extend into areas I’m not trained to speak on. That’s why it’s important to also hear from professionals who can offer insight into the psychological and emotional impact of these experiences. I’m grateful to Annemarie, a mental health professional, for sharing the following perspective:
“From a mental health perspective, it’s worth remembering that the wider creative industry, and increasingly, online spaces, can be intense, competitive, and emotionally charged. This can amplify both genuine harm and the perception of harm, especially if past experiences are shaping how we interpret the present. In drama schools in particular, you may find yourself in what is called the nudge zone, that space just outside your comfort zone where you’re being stretched, challenged, and asked to grow. Not to be confused with the panic zone, where you feel unsafe or overwhelmed, but also different from the comfort zone, where there’s no stretch at all. Living in the nudge zone can feel uncomfortable, and that discomfort isn’t always a sign of bullying, sometimes it’s part of the learning process. The skill is in learning to tell the difference, holding space for your feelings while also checking the evidence before drawing conclusions. If you then conclude that you’re being bullied or harassed, maintain your boundaries, trust your truth, and report it to Student Support Services, or your CSM (or whoever is your go to person in that scenario).”