Emily Atack admits she was sexually assaulted whilst on set 'for years'
Warning: This article contains discussion of sexual assault which some readers may find distressing
Emily Atack has opened up about her past experiences as an actress, revealing that she was sexually assaulted on set.
The British television personality is best known for her roles on shows such as The Inbetweeners and The Keith Lemon Sketch Show, though she has recently ventured into the world of more dramatic titles.
Now better known for playing Sarah Stratton in Disney+ series Rivals, Atack looks forward to reprising the role in an upcoming second season.
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The actress has long been outspoken about the obstacles she's faced in her career in TV and film, though, despite the positives of playing memorable on-screen characters.
Atack recently spoke to the Radio Times, where she spoke in depth about the issues with online sexual harassment.
The 35-year-old was praised for her 2023 documentary Emily Atack: Asking For It?, where she explored why she was harassed online on a daily basis and why victims are often blamed for unwanted sexual attention.
The BBC programme was praised by critics and viewers for its openness to the subject, which included Atack sharing thousands of sexually aggressive messages and images she received on social media.
When asked by the publication if she would want to do another documentary, Atack said she has one in mind.
"Yes, I want to do one on intimacy coordinators, and I’m going to start having conversations about it soon," she admitted.
The actress explained that she's seen people 'roll their eyes' at the prospect in the industry.
She added: "There’s a defensiveness about it, because they feel like they’re being accused of something they haven’t even done yet. Intimacy coordinators are there for support if you feel uncomfortable, whether you’re a man or a woman."
Atack then revealed: "I’ve been sexually assaulted at work throughout my career, whether it’s on the actual set, or at a wrap party - and since the #MeToo movement, it shows that people are listening and that there has to be a shift in behaviour on sets."
The actress was then asked about working with intimacy coordinators on Rivals, to which she answered: "I’m really proud of the Rivals gang because, throughout my life, I haven’t felt safe all the time, and we’re all so respectful of each other."
Atack noted that they 'have to do a lot of sexual scenes' and they are taken care of by the coordinators.
The actress will soon star in Channel 5 psychological drama The Rumour, based on the bestselling novel by Lesley Kara.
If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact The Survivors Trust for free on 08088 010 818, available 10am-12.30pm, 1.30pm-3pm and 6pm-8pm Monday to Thursday, 10am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-3pm on Fridays, 10am-12.30pm on Saturdays and 6pm-8pm on Sundays.
Topics: Emily Atack, TV and Film, Celebrity
Joshua Nair