What It's Like to Be Young in Hollywood’s Culture of Harassment

Every year they arrive in Hollywood with dreams of making it. They're told to grow a thick skin and that if they work hard and land the right meetings, they just might become a showrunner, an agent, or a movie star. Many of them start out as assistants and have to endure bad bosses—who often scream, sometimes humiliate, and occasionally throw things. And some young people in Hollywood experience the sexual harassment we're finally acknowledging is endemic to the entertainment industry.

As the Harvey Weinstein scandal unfolds and demands to reform the industry intensify, VICE News spoke with dozens of assistants and young actors in Los Angeles and New York by phone, email, and text message about Hollywood's persistent culture of abuse—and what it would take to change it. (We granted them anonymity to speak candidly about their experiences.)

These young people working in film, television, and theater say sexual harassment isn't necessarily worse in their industry compared to others, but some aspects of the business—endless competition, a premium on physical appearance, and the voyeurism inherent in the work—allow it to thrive. Now, they're watching their bosses react to the scandal and taking notes on how to be better leaders as they come up through the ranks. Continue reading on VICE News.