By D.W.G. Kalani Tharanga, JadeTimes News
Prominent figures in the entertainment industry, including Keira Knightley and Ruth Wilson, have endorsed an open letter advocating for corporate backing to combat bullying and sexual harassment. The correspondence calls upon artistic entities to contribute to the establishment of the Creative Industry Independent Standards Authority (Ciisa), a proposed regulatory body designated to address grievances within the realms of music, film, theatre, and television. The letter highlights the persistent prevalence of bullying and harassment allegations and underscores the imperative role of Ciisa in catalyzing reformative progress.
A cohort of distinguished actresses such as Cara Delevingne, Carey Mulligan, Rebecca Ferguson, Naomie Harris, and Emerald Fennell, alongside male counterparts Guy Remmers, Jonny Sweet, Joshua McGuire, and Rob Cawsey, have lent their support to the initiative. Major broadcasting corporations including the BBC, Sky, ITV, Channel 4, and Viacom have already contributed initial funding towards Ciisa. The celebrities’ missive implores for a conclusive financial pledge to fortify the safety of the creative sectors.
The letter elucidates the industry’s desire for an impartial external agency to offer guidance, mediation, and, in extreme cases, to hold individuals accountable for misconduct.
It expresses gratitude to organizations that have committed to funding Ciisa and encourages others to follow suit, with the aspiration for Ciisa to set a global standard for safeguarding creative industries.
Sexual harassment plagues the industry.
Recent research by the trade union Bectu indicates that a staggering 92% of creative professionals have been exposed to or have witnessed workplace bullying or harassment, with one in five experiencing severe sexual assault on the job. Bectu has appealed to broadcasters, production houses, and streaming services to financially endorse Ciisa.
Philippa Childs, head of Bectu, has articulated the detrimental psychological impact of sexual harassment in the workplace and the necessity for a substantial paradigm shift to effectively address the issue. She emphasizes the need for the creative sector to meet Ciisa’s financial requirements, which equate to a mere 0.1% of an organization’s annual UK revenue, to transition the authority from its developmental stage to full operational capacity.
The concept of instituting a watchdog to oversee bullying and harassment within the creative industries emerged in 2021, inspired by the #MeToo movement. Ciisa is currently finalizing its governance structure, funding, and operational strategy, aiming to commence service provision by the end of 2024.