Simon Gross: A History Of Unpaid Actors and Industry Concerns
This article is shared in the public interest and is not intended to harass or defame. All statements are based on publicly available reporting, social media posts, or firsthand accounts provided to The 98%. The purpose is awareness, transparency, and protection of performers, not personal attack.
The 98% has been made aware of multiple concerns regarding Simon Gross, a producer and former Big Brother contestant, and his companies SG Productions and The Entertainment Providers. This post is being shared in the public interest to ensure transparency, safety, and accountability within the performing arts industry.
Background: SG Productions
SG Productions, run by Simon Gross, produced shows including The Rat Pack Vegas Show and West End to Broadway, going on to produce pantomimes and performances to tour care homes across the UK.
However, the company went into voluntary liquidation in 2015, leaving debts of over £111,000 to creditors, including performers, HM Revenue & Customs, and suppliers. Equity confirmed it was assisting performers who are owed money, and they put the company and its directors on its Special Attention List at the time (which, sadly, no longer exists).
Gross stated that he decided to wind down the company to focus on his television career, claiming that the outstanding debts “have nothing to do with actors.” (Source: The Stage) But further reports and testimonies allege otherwise…
Actors Experiences
Multiple performers have shared experiences of working with Simon Gross, reporting issues such as delayed or incomplete payment, hostile communication, and stressful working conditions. A hashtag, #abusedbysimongross, dating back over a decade, includes countless posts and testimonies describing similar concerns. One actor reported to The 98% that Gross refused to pay three months of invoices for work completed, only offering partial payment after a payment plan was negotiated. Despite agreed terms, the payment was not fully made. Another performer described touring care homes and that complaints from Gross about equipment, performance, and appearance were used to justify withholding full payment. The actor considered going to Small Claims Court, but it was not pursued due to stress. Several performers reported verbal abuse via text or social media after their work with Gross had ended.
These testimonies, alongside public reporting, suggest a recurring pattern of concerning behaviour and treatment of performers under his productions.
What This Means
Actors and creatives deserve safe working environments where payment is fair and conditions are professional. The situation with Simon Gross highlights several systemic issues:
Lack of proper vetting and accountability in small-scale productions.
Risk of performers being left unpaid or subjected to hostile treatment.
The need for transparency and for unions like Equity to continue monitoring and assisting members.
A Pattern of Concerning Behaviour
Reports indicate that Simon Gross’s treatment of performers and issues with unpaid wages are not new. Allegations have been shared publicly and privately dating back to 2003, suggesting a longstanding pattern of problematic behaviour.
The persistence of these practices highlights serious gaps in industry regulation and safeguarding, particularly in small-scale and touring productions. While Gross may be a known name to avoid within certain circles - new actors, recent graduates, and those unfamiliar with the industry may not conduct thorough due diligence and can be particularly vulnerable to exploitation. It is important for performers to share their experiences and warn others, and you are within your rights to do this. Threats of libel and defamation are often used as silencing tactics without actually having a case.
This is particularly concerning given that Gross has posted casting calls for new shows in Facebook groups as recently as September 2025.
What You Can Do
If you have worked with Simon Gross or SG Productions and experienced non-payment or mistreatment:
Report it to Equity - this helps the union track patterns and pursue unpaid monies.
Consider Small Claims Court for unpaid fees if safe and feasible.
Reach out for support - The 98% can provide signposting and advice for performers navigating these situations.
If you have an experience that can be used to warn others - share it! Post on social media and in groups, report posts from Gross that you think are exploitative, and spread the word to others so awareness can be shared.
Talking about these issues can be uncomfortable, but silence allows harmful practices to continue. Sharing experiences, reporting unpaid wages, and supporting one another helps protect performers and promotes accountability in the industry.
This post is not intended to incite harassment or targeting of any individual. It is intended to keep our community informed, so we can all make safe and informed choices. The industry has a long history of silence around harm. Breaking that silence is the first step toward real safeguarding.
Have a story to share about this individual/company? Please report to Equity, or get in touch.