How To Support Someone Who Has Experienced Industry Misconduct
Hearing that a friend, colleague, or peer has experienced misconduct in the entertainment industry can feel overwhelming. You might feel angry, shocked, sad, or even unsure of what to say or do. But how you respond matters. Your support can make the difference between someone feeling silenced and isolated, or feeling empowered to take the next step.
Here are some important ways you can show up for someone who has been harmed:
Believe Them
The most powerful thing you can do is to believe them. Misconduct often thrives because victims fear they won’t be taken seriously. If someone has trusted you with their story, resist the urge to interrogate, doubt, or look for “proof.” Your belief tells them they’re not alone and that their experience matters.
Listen Without Judgment
Give them space to talk, and listen more than you speak. They may not have all the words yet, and that’s okay. Avoid pushing them for details or telling them what they “should” do. Instead, validate their feelings: “I’m so sorry this happened to you. I believe you. Thank you for trusting me with this.”
Offer Practical Help
Misconduct can leave people disoriented and unsure of their next steps. Offer concrete support:
Accompany them if they want to make a report or speak to someone in authority.
Help them find professional support services or legal advice.
If they want, assist in drafting emails or filling out complaint forms.
Even small acts, like checking in regularly, can help them feel less isolated.
Document What You Can
As a friend, one of the most supportive things you can do is quietly help document what has happened. Misconduct cases often rely on patterns, evidence, and timelines - and in the chaos of trauma, details can get blurred. With their consent, you can:
Save screenshots of messages, emails, or posts.
Keep a simple diary of conversations you’ve had about what they experienced.
Write down dates, feelings, or incidents they’ve shared with you.
This can be invaluable later, whether they choose to report formally, go public, or simply need to remind themselves that they’re not “imagining” it.
Respect Their Choices
It’s not up to you to decide what justice looks like for them. Some people will want to report to industry bodies, the police, or even the press, while others may not be ready (or may never want to). Your role is to empower, not pressure. Even if you wish they’d take a different path, trust that they know what they need.
Help Them Find Community
Remind them they’re not alone. Connect them to other actors, creatives, or survivor networks who understand what they’re going through. Sometimes the most healing thing is to hear “me too” from someone who’s walked the same path. Point them in the direction of The 98% - who can validate, support, and inform.
Take Care of Yourself Too
Supporting someone through misconduct can be emotionally heavy. Make sure you set boundaries, seek support yourself if needed, and don’t take on more than you can handle. You’ll be a better support system if you’re looking after your own wellbeing, too.
Standing beside someone who has experienced misconduct doesn’t mean you have all the answers. It means you’re willing to walk with them, listen, and remind them that they’re not alone. In an industry where exploitation often thrives in silence, your solidarity is a powerful act of resistance.
By believing, documenting, and supporting - without judgment or pressure - you help create a culture where misconduct can’t be ignored, and where survivors feel stronger in speaking out.
Written by Alexa Morden
If your friend is looking for advice on steps to take when experiencing industry misconduct, refer them to THIS POST