20 Lesbian Actresses Suing Studios for On-Set Harassment

The entertainment industry has faced a reckoning in recent years, with numerous performers coming forward to challenge the systemic abuse and misconduct that was once swept under the rug. Queer women, in particular, have been at the forefront of this movement, often risking their careers to hold powerful figures and studios accountable for unsafe working conditions and harassment. These legal battles and formal complaints highlight the intersection of gender, sexuality, and power dynamics that have long plagued Hollywood. From high-profile lawsuits to industry-shaking allegations that led to internal investigations, these actresses have taken a stand to demand safer sets for future generations.

Ruby Rose

The former lead of ‘Batwoman’ ignited a firestorm when she leveled serious allegations against The CW and Warner Bros. Television regarding unsafe working conditions. Rose claimed that negligence on set led to her sustaining serious injuries, including two herniated discs that required emergency surgery. She further alleged a toxic environment fostered by studio executives, detailing instances of harassment and indifference to crew safety. Her public whistleblowing led to a highly publicized dispute with the studio, which pushed back against her claims.

Evan Rachel Wood

While primarily known for her role in ‘Westworld’, Wood became a central figure in the fight against abuse within the industry through her legal and public battle against Marilyn Manson. Her advocacy led to the creation of the Phoenix Act, extending the statute of limitations for domestic violence survivors in California. Wood detailed horrific abuse she allegedly suffered, which she claimed was enabled by the industry ecosystem surrounding the rock star. Her actions have inspired other women to come forward and take legal steps against their abusers.

Kesha

The pop star and actress engaged in one of the most high-profile legal battles in music industry history against producer Dr. Luke and Sony Music. Kesha filed a lawsuit alleging years of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse, seeking to be released from her recording contract. The case sparked a global #FreeKesha movement, highlighting the difficulties artists face when legally bound to their alleged abusers. Although the defamation suit was eventually settled in 2023, her decade-long fight remains a landmark case for artist rights and workplace safety.

Esmé Bianco

Best known for her role in ‘Game of Thrones’, Bianco filed a federal lawsuit against Marilyn Manson and his record label, alleging human trafficking and sexual battery. She accused the musician of using fraudulent offers of movie and music video roles to lure her to Los Angeles, where she was subjected to abuse. The lawsuit targeted the corporate machinery that allegedly facilitated these crimes, demanding accountability from the industry structures involved. Bianco reached a settlement in 2023, stating her desire to move forward with her life and career.

Rose McGowan

McGowan was one of the first and most vocal figures to break the silence regarding Harvey Weinstein, suing to expose the machine that protected him. She detailed how Miramax and industry executives were complicit in a culture of silence that allowed predation to continue unchecked. Her memoir and subsequent activism detailed the systematic blacklisting she faced after refusing to be silenced. McGowan’s actions were instrumental in toppling the Weinstein empire and launching the Time’s Up movement.

Asia Argento

The Italian actress and director was among the first women to publicly accuse Harvey Weinstein of assault, describing a traumatic encounter at the Cannes Film Festival. She became a leading voice in the movement, highlighting how international actresses were often exploited by Hollywood power brokers. Argento’s allegations helped expose the global reach of the studio mogul’s misconduct. Her bravery in speaking out paved the way for dozens of other women to join the collective outcry against Miramax’s former head.

Cara Delevingne

Delevingne shared her own harrowing experience with Harvey Weinstein, describing an uncomfortable professional meeting that turned into a predatory advance. She revealed that the producer attempted to force her into a physical encounter and made disparaging remarks about her sexuality. The model and actress used her platform to expose the coercion tactics used to intimidate queer women in the industry. Her testimony added a crucial layer to the understanding of how sexuality was weaponized by studio heads.

Angelina Jolie

Jolie revealed that she had a “bad experience” with Harvey Weinstein during the release of ‘Playing by Heart’ in the late 1990s. She stated that she warned others about him and chose never to work with him again, despite his dominance in the industry. Her testimony reinforced the pattern of behavior alleged by many others, showing that even A-list stars were not immune to harassment. Jolie has since been a vocal advocate for protecting women and children from sexual violence worldwide.

Amber Heard

Heard’s highly publicized legal battles with Johnny Depp involved extensive testimony regarding her career and alleged blacklisting by major studios. She testified that her role in ‘Aquaman’ and other projects was jeopardized due to the public smear campaigns and the industry’s reaction to her domestic abuse allegations. Her countersuit brought to light the complexities of navigating Hollywood while embroiled in a dispute with a powerful male star. The legal proceedings sparked intense debate about the treatment of women who report abuse within the entertainment sphere.

FKA Twigs

The singer and actress filed a lawsuit against actor Shia LaBeouf, accusing him of sexual battery, assault, and infliction of emotional distress. Her legal action detailed a relationship filled with relentless abuse and control, which she claimed impacted her professional life and well-being. FKA Twigs stated she came forward to show that intimate partner violence can affect anyone, regardless of their fame or resources. The lawsuit stands as a significant move to hold public figures accountable for their off-screen conduct.

Charlyne Yi

Yi has been a vocal critic of the protections afforded to powerful men in Hollywood, specifically calling out James Franco and Seth Rogen. She attempted to quit the film ‘The Disaster Artist’ after learning of allegations against Franco, only to be allegedly bribed and gaslit by producers. Yi took to social media to detail the lack of support she received from the studio when she raised these concerns. Her whistleblowing highlighted the complicity of enablers who prioritize project completion over the safety of cast members.

Elliot Page

In a powerful essay, Page detailed the harassment and homophobia he faced on the set of ‘X-Men: The Last Stand’. He accused director Brett Ratner of outing him to the cast and crew before he was ready, creating a hostile and humiliating work environment. Page described the incident as a blatant abuse of power designed to diminish his confidence and safety on set. This revelation sparked a broader conversation about how directors enforce heteronormative standards through bullying.

Björk

The Icelandic singer and actress detailed her experience with a “Danish director,” widely understood to be Lars von Trier, during the filming of ‘Dancer in the Dark’. She alleged that she was punished and labeled “difficult” for rejecting his sexual advances and unwanted physical contact. Björk’s statement described a system where the director’s will is absolute, leaving actresses with little recourse against harassment. Her refusal to work in traditional cinema afterward stands as a testament to the severity of her experience.

Portia de Rossi

De Rossi publicly accused actor Steven Seagal of sexual harassment during a terrifying audition early in her career. She recounted how Seagal unzipped his pants during the meeting to discuss “chemistry,” causing her to flee the room. She further alleged that when she reported the incident to her agent, the response was dismissive, highlighting the industry’s normalization of such behavior. Her story shed light on the vulnerability of young actresses facing established action stars.

Alyson Stoner

Former child star Alyson Stoner has become an outspoken advocate against the “toddler-to-trainwreck” pipeline facilitated by major networks like Disney. She has detailed the psychological abuse, lack of bodily autonomy, and harassment she witnessed and experienced while growing up on set. Stoner has called for systemic reform and greater legal protections for minors in the entertainment industry. Her advocacy focuses on dismantling the structures that allow studios to exploit young talent for profit.

Bella Thorne

Thorne has been vocal about the exploitation and “abuse” she faced as a child star on the Disney Channel. She has described a rigid and controlling environment that sexualized young girls and pitted them against one another. Thorne eventually broke ties with the traditional studio system to regain control over her image and career. Her public statements have criticized the industry for commodifying young women and failing to protect them from predatory behaviors.

Demi Lovato

Lovato has shared harrowing details about her time as a Disney Channel star, including struggles with an eating disorder that she felt were exacerbated by the studio environment. In her documentary, she also revealed a sexual assault that occurred during her time in the industry, highlighting the lack of protection for young talent. Her revelations have contributed to the ongoing scrutiny of how child stars are managed and treated. Lovato continues to advocate for mental health awareness and better safeguards in Hollywood.

Miley Cyrus

Cyrus has frequently criticized the grueling work schedules and psychological pressure placed on her during the filming of ‘Hannah Montana’. She described being underpaid and overworked by the studio system, which profited immensely from her image while she struggled with her identity. Cyrus has spoken about the difficulty of breaking free from the “perfect Disney girl” mold and the industry’s backlash when she asserted her sexuality. Her experiences highlight the commodification of young queer artists by major corporations.

Lili Reinhart

The ‘Riverdale’ actress has been a fierce advocate for the #MeToo movement, sharing her own experiences with sexual harassment by an older actor in a position of power. Although she did not name the individual, she described the incident as a manipulative abuse of his status to make her feel uncomfortable. Reinhart has used her platform to encourage other women to report misconduct and to support those who have come forward. She remains a vocal critic of the body-shaming and psychological pressure exerted by the industry.

Lady Gaga

While not suing a studio directly, Lady Gaga played a crucial role in the legal battle between Kesha and Dr. Luke, providing deposition testimony in defense of her peer. She has been an outspoken advocate for sexual assault survivors, detailing her own experiences with abuse by a music producer early in her career. Gaga’s song ‘Til It Happens to You’ became an anthem for the movement, and she has used her influence to demand structural changes in the music and film industries. Her support helped validate the struggles of artists fighting for their contractual freedom.

Share your thoughts on these ongoing battles for accountability in the comments.