When the Punchline Hides a Problem

For many women and marginalised people working in comedy, the reality behind the stage curtain is far less funny.

A recently published report into misogyny in the comedy industry has revealed deeply concerning experiences of harassment, assault and discrimination. Among those who chose to answer questions about sexual assault, more than half reported having experienced it. Across all respondents, one in five said they had been sexually assaulted by someone else working within the industry, while nearly a third reported sexual harassment. The findings also point to widespread experiences of sexism, exclusion and behaviour that has become normalised as “just part of the culture”.

For those of us working to end sexual violence, these findings are sadly not surprising.

Sexual violence thrives where power goes unchecked

When we talk about sexual violence, we often focus on individual perpetrators. But sexual harm does not happen in a vacuum. It happens within cultures, workplaces and industries where power imbalances exist and where inappropriate behaviour is overlooked, minimised or tolerated.

The comedy sector has many of the risk factors we see in other industries. Freelance work. Informal networks. Unequal access to opportunities. Reliance on individual gatekeepers. A culture where speaking out can feel risky.

The report found that many people chose not to report what had happened to them because they feared losing work, were unsure who to complain to, or believed reporting would make little difference.

Again, this is something survivors tell us every day.

When your career depends on relationships, recommendations and future bookings, the decision to report harm can come at a huge personal and professional cost.

The impact doesn’t stop when the incident ends

One of the most striking findings is not simply the prevalence of harmful behaviour, but the consequences.

Many respondents reported avoiding certain venues, opportunities or people as a result of their experiences. Others described impacts on their confidence, self-esteem and career progression.

This is an important reminder that sexual harassment and sexual violence do not only affect individuals in the moment. They shape who feels safe enough to participate, who stays in an industry and who ultimately leaves it.

When people are forced to navigate unsafe environments, it is not only survivors who lose out. Entire industries lose talent, creativity and diversity.

Culture change requires more than policies

Over the past few years, we have seen growing awareness of sexual misconduct across entertainment, media, higher education, healthcare and sport. Awareness is important, but awareness alone is not enough.

Policies sitting in a folder do not create safety.

Real change happens when organisations invest in prevention, create clear reporting pathways, equip staff to respond appropriately and build cultures where harmful behaviour is challenged rather than excused.

That means recognising that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. It means understanding trauma. It means knowing how to respond when someone discloses an experience of harassment, abuse or assault. And it means leaders taking active steps to create environments where respect, dignity and safety are non-negotiable.

Comedy can lead the way

The comedy industry has a powerful opportunity to respond to these findings with action. Venues, producers, promoters, festivals, training providers and industry bodies all have a role to play in creating safer spaces for performers, staff and audiences alike.

At Survivors’ Network, we work with organisations across a range of sectors to develop trauma-informed approaches to preventing and responding to sexual misconduct. Our specialist training helps organisations understand sexual violence, improve responses to disclosures, strengthen safeguarding practices and build cultures that prioritise safety and respect.

Because preventing harm isn’t simply about managing risk. It’s about creating environments where people can thrive.

If your comedy venue, organisation, festival or institution is serious about tackling sexual harassment and sexual violence, now is the time to invest in meaningful change.

Working with specialist services and expert-led training can help turn good intentions into action and create a comedy sector where everyone can contribute, perform and succeed safely.