Actress Vicky Zugah has opened up about the challenges that victims of sexual harassment and abuse in the Ghanaian entertainment industry face.
She revealed that public criticisms and scepticism are preventing many victims from coming forward with their stories.
During an interview on Showbiz A-Z on JoyFM, Zugah explained that although the public may encourage people to share their experiences, there is no guarantee of the response they will receive, nor are they assured of support.
She highlighted that victims risk facing backlash, being accused of bitterness, or being blacklisted in the industry. Zugah also emphasized the societal pressure on women to remain silent about their experiences to maintain their reputation and prospects for marriage or other career opportunities.
Despite these challenges, Zugah encouraged actors who have faced such situations to speak out and name and shame the perpetrators if they wish to. She also acknowledged that some victims may choose not to share their stories and should be respected.
This comes after veteran actress Akofa Edjeani revealed that she lost a movie role because she refused to sleep with a film director. Following her disclosure, another actress also shared her story with the production team.
Meanwhile, Bobby Banson, the Lead Consultant for Robert Smith Law Group, called on the Ghana Actors Guild to take action to address sexual harassment in the film industry. He suggested creating a legally binding written pledge on sexual harassment in collaboration with the Film Producers Association of Ghana (FIPAG) to hold perpetrators accountable.
The challenges faced by victims of sexual harassment and abuse in the Ghanaian entertainment industry highlight the urgent need for systemic change and support. It is crucial for industry leaders and stakeholders to prioritize the well-being and safety of actors and to take concrete steps to address these issues.
