Urgent Call for NDA Law Reforms: Campaigners Highlight Widespread Use of Non-Disclosure Agreements in the Entertainment Industry

A former assistant to Harvey Weinstein has voiced her concerns about the slow response from Parliament regarding the misuse of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). Zelda Perkins, the first to break a Weinstein-related NDA in 2017, believes that NDAs are at the core of many abuse scandals.

Since revealing her own experience, Perkins has engaged in advocacy through her organization, Can’t Buy My Silence. In a recent interview, she expressed her frustration with the legal system’s pace in addressing these issues. “Since the exposure of Weinstein’s actions, we’ve seen powerful abusers being uncovered regularly,” she said. “NDAs are a common thread in these scandals.”

NDAs are meant to protect confidential information, primarily in business. However, they have been controversial, especially with reports that they were used to silence victims of high-profile figures like the late Mohamed al Fayed. Perkins argues that the evidence is clear: legal reform is needed.

“We have laws intended to protect us, but if they’re twisted into tools of abuse, it’s our duty to change them,” she asserted. Despite advancements in other countries, like Ireland, Canada, and the US, the UK has been slow to act. However, there are signs of potential change.

The UK government is currently exploring ways to limit NDAs, particularly in educational institutions and workplaces. Workers’ rights minister Justin Madders confirmed that the government is examining potential changes as part of a broader employment rights bill.

Perkins advocates for NDAs to be used strictly for their intended purpose of protecting intellectual property. She believes they should only be allowed in certain circumstances and when requested by victims to avoid misuse.

The conversation around NDAs is not limited to the film industry. In music, issues with their usage have also been highlighted. Charisse Beaumont, CEO of Black Lives in Music, described NDAs as tools that can hide severe misconduct. She pointed out that many abuse victims find it infuriating to see their abusers still gaining success.

Further, Elisabeth Ovesen, a former music video dancer, shared her experience with NDAs in the industry, stating, “You would arrive at a party, and an NDA was waiting for you.” The pressure to sign these agreements can be overwhelming for many.

Even former reality star Katie Waissel has transitioned from music to law to fight against NDA misuse. She too is skeptical about the secrecy surrounding their use, asking, “What are they trying to cover up?” Waissel advocates for transparency and accountability in the music and entertainment industries.

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