Actresses Who Settled Quiet Lawsuits Over On-Set Misconduct

The film and television industry has often been criticized for how it deals with claims of wrongdoing on set. Many actors and crew members have had to use the legal system to resolve issues like harassment or unsafe working conditions, often while trying to keep the details private with confidential settlements. The following is a list of people who have reached legal agreements to address misconduct in the entertainment industry.

Rose McGowan

The actress first gained fame in movies like ‘Scream’ and the TV show ‘Charmed’. In 1997, she privately settled a legal issue with a prominent film executive following an incident at the Sundance Film Festival. The agreement was designed to keep the details confidential. Later, she became a leading advocate for change within the film industry. This settlement is now remembered as an example of how Hollywood once handled such situations with private legal agreements.

Eliza Dushku

The actress, famous for her work in shows like ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ and ‘Bring It On’, experienced problems while filming ‘Bull’. She reported unacceptable behavior from a colleague and was later removed from the series. After a private mediation process, she received a $9.5 million settlement from the network, which was intended to remain confidential but was later made public through investigative journalism. Her experience highlighted important issues regarding safety standards on large television sets.

Gabrielle Union

This performer became a judge on ‘America’s Got Talent’ but later expressed concerns about the show’s work environment. She reported experiencing and witnessing racial insensitivity and harmful behavior. After leaving the show, she filed a formal complaint which resulted in a settlement with the network. As part of the agreement, the network committed to creating a better workplace. She has since emphasized the need to uphold professional standards and speak out against mistreatment.

Ashley Judd

Ashley Judd, known for her roles in ‘Double Jeopardy’ and ‘Kiss the Girls,’ was an early voice speaking out against powerful misconduct in Hollywood. She sued a studio executive, claiming her career suffered after she turned down his unwanted advances. The case was eventually settled through a fund created to compensate victims of the executive’s behavior. By taking a stand, she helped others feel empowered to come forward with their own experiences and seek accountability.

Esmé Bianco

The actress, known for her work on ‘Game of Thrones’, sued a famous musician, claiming he physically and emotionally abused her while they worked together. After more than a year of legal battles, they reached a private settlement to avoid a public trial. This resolution allows the actress to move on and also brings attention to the dangers faced by performers in the music video world.

Jamie Luner

The actress gained widespread recognition for her roles in ‘Melrose Place’ and ‘Profiler’. Years ago, she was involved in a legal issue stemming from an incident early in her career. Eventually, she reached a settlement with a director involved, and the agreement kept the details private, avoiding a public court case. This situation brought attention to the difficulties of dealing with past misconduct in Hollywood.

Mischa Barton

I was so upset to hear about what happened to the actress from ‘The OC’ – it was awful that someone tried to profit off her private images! Thankfully, she fought back and filed a lawsuit. I was really relieved to learn she won and got full ownership of everything, and that the court put a stop to anyone else trying to do that. It felt like a huge win, not just for her, but for anyone worried about their privacy being violated online. She really stood up for herself and paved the way for other performers to do the same, which is amazing.

Cassie Ventura

The singer and actress, known for her role in movies like ‘Step Up 2: The Streets,’ recently filed a lawsuit detailing years of alleged abuse by a prominent music executive. The case, which involved claims of misconduct and physical abuse, was surprisingly resolved within a day through a confidential agreement. Both sides confirmed they were happy with the outcome, and the quick resolution shocked many in the entertainment industry.

Amber Heard

As a film fan, I remember seeing her in ‘Aquaman,’ but honestly, for years, she was more known for a really messy and public legal fight with her ex. Thankfully, after what seemed like forever in court here in the US, they finally reached a settlement. Part of the deal involved a donation to charity, which was a nice touch. It really brought an end to years of drama that everyone was following, and hopefully lets both of them focus on their work now instead of all the legal stuff.

Nicollette Sheridan

The actress, known for her role in ‘Desperate Housewives’, sued the show’s creator, claiming she was wrongfully fired and physically assaulted. The legal battle lasted for years, with multiple court cases and appeals. Eventually, they reached a settlement that resolved her claims and allowed the network to put the issue behind them.

Tippi Hedren

The acclaimed actress known for her roles in ‘The Birds’ and ‘Marnie’ experienced significant pressure from a well-known director in the 1960s. She stated that her career suffered when she wouldn’t meet his inappropriate requests. Although legal action wasn’t typical at the time, she was able to negotiate a way out of her contract, ending her work with both the director and the studio. She later shared these experiences in her autobiography, hoping to support and guide aspiring actresses.

Julianna Margulies

Julianna Margulies, known for her roles in ‘The Good Wife’ and ‘ER’, has spoken about facing uncomfortable situations with influential people in the entertainment industry. She recounted one specific incident with a co-star that was resolved through official channels. By clearly establishing her limits, she avoided a public lawsuit. This shows how experienced actors can use their position to protect themselves at work. Margulies continues to be a strong voice for professionalism and safe environments on film sets.

Charisma Carpenter

The actress, known for her work on ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ and ‘Angel’, recently revealed she experienced a difficult and inappropriate work environment, alleging misconduct by one of the show’s creators. After she spoke out, many of her former colleagues corroborated her story, prompting investigations and changes to the show’s production practices. This ultimately led to a wider discussion about how pregnant actresses are treated in the television industry.

Sophia Bush

The actress, known for her role on ‘One Tree Hill’, recently shared her experiences with inappropriate behavior on set, along with those of her co-stars. She described a workplace where harassment was frequent and ignored by those in charge. The cast members eventually spoke out together, prompting an investigation and resolution from the studio. Their collective action brought attention to broader problems within the show’s production. She remains dedicated to using her voice to push for lasting improvements in Hollywood’s work environment.

Ruth Wilson

The actress received praise for her work on the show ‘The Affair,’ but she left suddenly. Later, it became known that she was uncomfortable with some of the scenes being filmed. She and the network reached a confidential agreement about her departure, which prevented her from publicly discussing the reasons why she left. Her decision sparked a broader conversation about performers’ rights when it comes to potentially sensitive material.

Constance Wu

Constance Wu, known for her roles in ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ and ‘Fresh Off the Boat,’ recently revealed she experienced inappropriate behavior and controlling actions from a producer on a TV set. She was able to resolve the issue and complete her contract, but kept the experience private for years, which took a significant emotional toll. Her story sheds light on the unique difficulties faced by actors from minority backgrounds in the entertainment industry.

Melissa Benoist

The actress known for her role in ‘Supergirl’ recently revealed she was a survivor of domestic violence, and how it affected her work. She worked with her employer to stay safe during a difficult and private time. While the details remain personal, the situation was resolved legally, holding the abuser accountable. By speaking out, she bravely highlighted the connection between personal safety and the workplace, and received overwhelming support from fellow actors and others in the entertainment industry for her courage and honesty.

Thandiwe Newton

This actress, known for roles in films like ‘Mission Impossible 2’ and the series ‘Westworld’, recently shared a difficult experience from early in her career. She revealed a director engaged in inappropriate behavior on set, and footage of the incident was taken. She took legal and professional steps to ensure the footage wasn’t released. She’s become a strong advocate for protecting young performers and holding those who exploit them accountable. Her work has led to changes in how film studios manage potentially sensitive historical footage.

Busy Philipps

I was really shocked to hear about what happened to this actress – you know, the one from ‘Freaks and Geeks’! She shared that she actually got into a physical fight with a co-star while filming. She immediately told someone in charge, but at first, it didn’t seem like they took it seriously enough. Thankfully, they eventually worked things out so she felt safe enough to keep working. It’s amazing how she’s now using her podcast and books to push for better ways to handle these kinds of situations on set. It just goes to show, even something that seems small can really benefit from having professionals step in and help.

Rosebud Baker

A comedian and actress experienced a challenging situation on a TV show when she reported inappropriate behavior by a senior staff member. This led to an internal investigation and eventually a settlement that aimed to resolve her concerns and create a more secure workplace. The outcome allowed her to continue her career and seek a fair resolution. She’s now successfully performing stand-up comedy.

Judith Godrèche

A well-known French actress sued several directors, claiming they acted inappropriately with her when she was a child during the making of her first films. The lawsuit sparked major changes in how the film industry deals with past accusations. A settlement was reached to help her cope with the lasting effects of these experiences, and her case is now considered a turning point in the push for greater responsibility and accountability within the global film community.

Sand Van Roy

I remember seeing her in ‘Valerian’ – she was fantastic! But then, sadly, she came forward with a complaint against a really famous director. It turned into a long, difficult legal fight, playing out in courts all over the world for years. Eventually, they reached some kind of resolution after lots of appeals and reviews. Honestly, the whole thing really highlighted how much power some people have in European filmmaking. It’s admirable how she’s continued to speak out and support others who’ve experienced similar issues in the arts.

Adèle Haenel

The acclaimed actress recently made news by leaving a prestigious awards show to demonstrate her disapproval of the film industry. She formally reported experiencing inappropriate behavior early in her career, and after a legal battle, reached a settlement with a director regarding her complaints. Ultimately, she chose to leave filmmaking and dedicate herself to political activism and stage acting. This decision was widely interpreted as a strong protest against the established norms of the movie world.

Asia Argento

The renowned Italian actress played a key role in the beginning of a worldwide effort to address wrongdoing within industries. She privately settled a claim made against her by a younger actor, aiming to resolve the issue before it became public. The case demonstrated how complicated and multifaceted legal settlements can be. She remains active in both international film and music.

Mira Sorvino

As a movie lover, I was really happy to learn more about the actress who won an Oscar for ‘Mighty Aphrodite.’ It turns out her career was seriously affected by a powerful studio executive, and she actually joined a lawsuit with other women who’d faced similar issues. Thankfully, they reached a settlement with a compensation fund designed to help those harmed in the industry. It was important that the resolution recognized the damage done to her career simply because she stood up against misconduct. And the best part? She’s back now, doing fantastic work in both films and TV, which is so inspiring to see!

Rosanna Arquette

The actress, famous for her role in ‘Desperately Seeking Susan’, recently shared how a powerful producer impacted her career. She was among a group of performers who reached a settlement with a major studio, which offered some redress for lost opportunities over many years. She continues to advocate for an end to harassment in Hollywood and is currently working on independent films.

Katherine Kendall

This actress, known for her role in ‘Swingers,’ was among those who came forward with allegations of misconduct against a powerful executive. She joined a class action lawsuit that resulted in a confidential settlement fund for those affected. This agreement allowed her to receive compensation without a lengthy and individual court case. This group effort proved crucial in helping many performers find a resolution and move forward, and she has expressed her relief at finally having the issue legally resolved.

Louisette Geiss

An actress and screenwriter publicly accused a large production company of wrongdoing during a film festival. She spearheaded a class action lawsuit against them, which ultimately resulted in a multi-million dollar settlement for those affected. This outcome was a significant step towards greater responsibility within the entertainment industry. Since then, she’s been concentrating on creating her own films and shows.

Melissa Sagemiller

The actress, known for her work on shows like ‘Scream 2’ and ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,’ recently spoke about facing inappropriate behavior in the entertainment industry. She was among a group of women who reached a settlement with a large film studio to address the negative effects on their careers and lives. This settlement was part of a larger movement to improve how studios deal with abuse allegations. She remains a well-respected actress on television.

Alice Evans

I was really shocked to hear about what happened to this actress, who I remember from ‘102 Dalmatians.’ She shared a story about something that happened early in her career, and it turns out she was one of many actresses who were part of a big settlement. It was amazing to learn that this legal agreement finally gave her a way to speak out about misconduct she’d kept hidden for so long. She’s been so brave speaking up about how important it is to have honesty and openness when casting, and her experience really helped people understand the challenges international actresses can face. It’s just a really powerful story.

Erika Rosenbaum

This actress, a veteran of many large film productions, recently revealed she was targeted by someone who abused their power in the industry. She was part of a group of women who successfully sued the perpetrator, reaching a settlement after a long and difficult legal battle. She’s said joining the lawsuit and standing with other performers was incredibly empowering. Now, she’s continuing her acting career, focusing on playing complex and interesting characters in both movies and TV shows.

Emma de Caunes

I was really struck by the story of the French actress you might recognize from ‘The Science of Sleep.’ She recently shared a disturbing experience she had during a business meeting in a hotel room, and it’s a key part of why she and a group of international performers reached a legal settlement with a production company. Thankfully, the settlement wasn’t just about money; it acknowledged the real psychological harm she suffered. What’s even more impressive is that she’s now become a powerful advocate for change in France, and her courage has clearly inspired other actresses across Europe to speak out about their own experiences. It’s a truly inspiring, though heartbreaking, story.

Heather Graham

Heather Morris, known for her roles in ‘Boogie Nights’ and ‘The Hangover,’ revealed she was pressured by a producer who implied her career advancement relied on private meetings. She actively joined the legal fight to obtain compensation for those affected by this executive’s actions. The case’s outcome formally recognized the inappropriate behavior she and others experienced. Since then, she’s focused her career on championing female directors and their projects, earning her significant respect within the entertainment industry due to her long and successful career.

Lauren Holly

The actress, famous for her roles in ‘Dumb and Dumber’ and ‘NCIS’, recently shared an experience she had on a movie set. She was among those who received compensation from a studio fund created to address past misconduct. This agreement helped resolve an issue she’d faced years ago, and she has continued to thrive in her career. By participating in the settlement, she also helped support the claims of other actors and performers.

Asia Kate Dillon

I’ve always been a fan of this actor, recognizing them from shows like ‘Billions’ and movies like ‘John Wick Chapter 3’. I was really troubled to hear about the difficult experience they had on set – they spoke up about some seriously inappropriate behavior and a real lack of consideration for others. Thankfully, it sounds like things were addressed through discussions and with legal help, leading to positive changes in how the production handles diversity and keeps everyone safe. It just shows how much things are changing, and how important it is to demand respect and inclusion on every set.

Amber Tamblyn

Amber Tamblyn, known for her roles in ‘Joan of Arcadia’ and ‘The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants,’ has become a strong advocate for improving working conditions in the entertainment industry. She successfully resolved a case involving inappropriate behavior by a senior actor, and her experience led her to co-found a leading organization focused on workplace safety. Tamblyn has also written a lot about the need for broader changes within the arts, and continues to inspire and influence young performers.

Melissa Schuman

As a huge movie and music fan, I was really affected by the recent case involving that singer and actress. It brought to light something awful that happened to her when she was just starting out, involving a really well-known member of a popular boy band. Thankfully, after a lot of legal back-and-forth, they reached a settlement. What struck me most was how important this case was – it really shined a light on how much misconduct has happened throughout the years in the entertainment industry. It’s inspiring to see her now using her voice to help other people who’ve gone through similar experiences.

Kaya Jones

The former member of a popular girl group, who is also an actress, recently shared her experiences with inappropriate behavior she both witnessed and personally endured. She reached a private settlement with the group’s management to resolve her concerns, addressing the harmful work environment she had previously discussed publicly. Her story highlights the unique challenges faced by performers in groups created by the music industry. She is now focusing on her career as a solo artist in music and other media.

Chloe Dykstra

The actress and media personality publicly revealed she was in an abusive relationship with a prominent person in her field. This led to an internal investigation and ultimately a legal settlement. Both she and the other party were able to resolve the conflict and move forward. Her courage in speaking out sparked a broader conversation about emotional abuse within the industry, and she has since continued her successful career as a content creator.

Angelina Jolie

A globally recognized actress recounted a difficult experience with a producer when she was starting her career. Although she didn’t take legal action, she was able to resolve the situation professionally and made sure she would never work with him again. This was an important step to protect herself as she became famous. Since then, she’s used her platform to champion the rights of women and children. Her story highlights how performers often quietly establish boundaries in the entertainment industry.

Please share your thoughts on these industry developments in the comments.

2026-01-16 09:19