Ryan Kirwan: The Showreel Filmmaker Who Cyberflashed Actresses
The information regarding this individual has been sourced from articles written by Jake Kanter for Deadline Hollywood, all of which are linked at the bottom of this post. This article is not written with malicious intent, nor to harass or defame anyone. It is shared in good faith and in the public interest, based on information already reported publicly or directly experienced by others. The purpose is awareness and protection - not personal attack.
Warning: This post contains themes of sexual harassment and misconduct that some readers may find upsetting.
Ryan Kirwan, a former showreel filmmaker, was accused in 2024 of sending multiple unsolicited explicit images and sexualized messages to women over several years. Allegations he did not deny. While he had built a reputation as a professional showreel producer - helping actors film their scenes, promoting clients on social media, and collaborating with drama schools - serious allegations revealed a concerning pattern of predatory behaviour that came to the attention of The 98%. Many women shared their experiences but felt unsure on where to report, what to do, or whether speaking up would make things difficult in their careers - despite being victims of a sex crime. Even though Kirwan was not an influential casting director or agent, the services he provided and his industry connections created a perception of power, showing that abuse of the industry hierarchy can come in many forms from many people - and that the dangerous behaviour exhibited can be allowed to continue unchecked because of it.
It was when an actress who was slightly older and more experienced recognised the behaviour for what it was and confronted Kirwan directly, that the situation began to unravel. After receiving an apology she now describes as “emotional manipulation,” she heard of similar experiences from another actress. When she put out a general call on social media for anyone who had had “an inappropriate experience with a showreel company,” without naming Kirwan, sixteen women allegedly came forward about him, (and more since), revealing a worrying pattern of behaviour.
How It Happened
Kirwan’s professional work included creating personal professional showreels and collaborating with drama schools to work with their graduates. After initial professional interactions, several women reported that Kirwan began sending unsolicited explicit messages and images via WhatsApp. His approach often involved elaborate personal stories - sometimes claiming nudity experiences involving friends or housemates - as a way to introduce sexual content, before moving into the serious offence of cyber flashing. These initial messages frequently blurred the lines between friendly banter and sexualized communication, leaving recipients feeling disarmed, pressured, or confused. Once the crime of cyberflashing had been committed, women described feeling trapped - worried he could affect their career, despite him being the one to cross a boundary. Others spoke of self-doubt - questioning whether they had somehow “encouraged” the behaviour, when in fact they had done nothing wrong. This uncertainty and pressure are part of why predatory tactics like Kirwan’s are so harmful: they exploit trust, blur boundaries, and rely on silence to continue unchecked.
“He may not have wielded the quantifiable influence of a studio executive or screen star, but for the women desperate to forge successful careers, he represented an illusion of power.” - Jake Kanter, Deadline Hollywood
Victims’ Experiences
Women who came into contact with Kirwan describe feeling shocked and violated. Some reported receiving repeated messages over months and even years.
The experiences of these women highlight how misconduct in the creative industries can exploit power dynamics, with individuals who are new or trying to establish themselves often most vulnerable. Once anonymous concerns were shared publicly, other women came forward - women who previously thought they were totally alone. This collective awareness revealed patterns of misconduct that might otherwise have stayed hidden, showing the power of sharing experiences safely and responsibly.
Response and Accountability
Kirwan has acknowledged his actions, attributing them to personal struggles including drug use and mental health challenges.
“In a statement to Deadline, he acknowledges “actions that are extremely out of character” and says his behavior was the result of a spiraling cocaine addiction and poor mental health. “I take full responsibility for the people affected and wish to apologise to all of them. It was never my intention to cause any distress, however I can now see how I did - and for this I am forever sorry,” he adds.”
He shut down his business and social media presence and started working as a singer in his hometown. While Kirwan did not deny the allegations against him, victims have expressed frustration at the handling of the investigation by the London Metropolitan Police. Evidence was reportedly lost, follow-ups with victims were limited, and there was a lack of clear communication and care about the progress of the case.
The Crown Prosecution Service has emphasised that cyberflashing is a serious crime...
“We would encourage anyone who has been subjected to the illegal act of cyberflashing to come forward and report it. This is a serious crime, and we will work with police to build strong cases against offenders who use technology to harass, distress and abuse victims for their own pleasure.” -Siobhan Blake, from The Crown Prosecution Service
Despite this, the systemic failings and lack of meaningful consequence have left many survivors feeling let down by the authorities.
The Bigger Picture
Giving comment for the initial article exposing Kirwan’s behaviour, I said -
“In the arts and entertainment industries, abuse often goes hand in hand with abuse of power. So long as there’s a hierarchy, with actors most oftentimes at the bottom, those with perceived power know they can abuse their position because they’re sure their victims will stay silent for fear of ‘ruining their career.’ Perpetrators and predators in this industry also know that there isn’t really anywhere people can go for help, support, or actual action. Something victims tend to find out too late.
I want victims of malpractice to know that they are not alone and there are people who care, and the more we speak up, the more we share our experiences and raise awareness, the more we can get across that we do not stand for this behaviour, and force industry organisations to not only support those who need it – but to prevent the nefarious, and sometimes criminal, behaviour in the first place.” - Alexa Morden, The 98%
This case is not just about one individual. It illustrates a wider pattern in which systemic failings and unchecked power leave vulnerable people at risk. Reports were made, even to Equity, those who affiliated themselves with Ryan were warned (like agencies and drama schools), and yet no action was taken until after the article was released. Once again putting the onus on victims to have to speak out publicly in the face of a crime to even be taken seriously.
Lessons and Guidance
Strength in Numbers: Sharing experiences safely can reveal patterns, support victims, and empower others to speak up.
Document Everything: Save screenshots, emails, or other evidence. Screen record WhatsApp conversations and forward on voice notes and videos to other contacts so that if they are deleted by the sender, you still have a copy. Organise your findings in a clear system and keep backups on hard drives.
Recognise Boundaries: Be alert when professional relationships mix with sexualized content or personal over-sharing. You should communicate with professionals in a professional manner - using your professional email or via your agent. Someone wanting to talk more personally on social media or WhatsApp can blur the lines between personal and professional and could put you at risk.
Protect Yourself: People who act immorally or illegally may attempt manipulation or retaliation when confronted - be mindful of tactics and seek support.
Support Networks Matter: Reach out to colleagues, unions, or advocacy groups. Working together strengthens accountability and creates safer environments for everyone in the industry.
“What has been shocking through all this is the police ineptitude and lack of action, despite claiming that this was something they took extremely seriously. This case is worrying on a number of levels, but the culture of silence around it was what has been most troubling - as it allows people like Ryan to carry on with their abuse. These are not isolated incidents, they are serious offences that leave lasting damage to those who are affected - which can be worsened by feeling alone and unable to seek help. Speaking out is so important and women should feel encouraged to do so, rather than frightened. ”
- Anon victim of Ryan’s cyberflashing.
If you have experienced behaviour like that described above in connection with this individual, you are encouraged to report it to the London Metropolitan Police. If you need guidance on how to report, or would like support connecting with others who have had similar experiences, please get in touch.
If you encounter sexual misconduct, exploitation, or abuse within the acting or creative industries from anyone else, it is important to know you are not alone. You can report incidents to the relevant authorities, your local police force, or seek support from industry organisations. Read here some next steps on if you’ve experienced industry misconduct, or click here for signposts to relevant support organisations for survivors of sexual misconduct and violence.
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For more details and further reporting on this case read the below articles by Jake Kanter:
The Showreel Sexter: Police Admit Investigation Into Ryan Kirwan Delayed After Evidence Snafu