Urgent Call for NDA Reform: Campaigners Demand Change as Non-Disclosure Agreements Thrive in the Entertainment Industry

Zelda Perkins, a former assistant to Harvey Weinstein, has criticized parliament for being too slow in addressing the misuse of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). She believes that these agreements are at the heart of many abuse scandals.

Back in 2017, Zelda became the first woman to break an NDA connected to Weinstein. This brave move helped bring his abusive behavior into the public eye.

Through her organization, Can’t Buy My Silence, she has been pushing for legal changes regarding NDAs. In an interview, she expressed her frustration about the lack of progress since Weinstein’s actions were exposed. “Every month, we hear of more powerful abusers. NDAs are behind many of these cases,” she said.

NDAs are legal contracts meant to protect confidential information. They can be useful in business, but they’ve gained negative attention this year as many women shared stories of being silenced by NDAs, including victims of the late Harrods owner, Mohamed al Fayed.

Zelda argues convincingly that it’s time for legal reform. “The law should protect us, not be misused as a tool of abuse,” she stated. She believes that fear within powerful circles is stopping change. The idea of losing the ability to silence individuals who expose wrongdoing makes lawmakers hesitant to act.

While countries like Ireland, Canada, and the US are updating their laws, the UK has not made NDAs a priority. However, there are signs of potential change. The government plans to eliminate NDA use in universities and may also consider broader restrictions for employers.

Workers’ rights minister Justin Madders confirmed that the government is examining ways to amend its employment rights bill, which aims to enhance worker protections significantly.

Zelda’s vision is for NDAs to be restricted to protecting intellectual property and trade secrets, and to limit their request to victims with specific safeguards in place.

The misuse of NDAs isn’t limited to film. In the music industry, figures like Charisse Beaumont, CEO of Black Lives in Music, have voiced concerns as well. She pointed out that NDAs often cover up serious misconduct, including exploitation and bullying.

High-profile cases are alarming, where individuals facing multiple allegations are still active in the industry. Charisse said, “It’s heartbreaking for victims to see their abuser still thriving.” This reflects a deep issue within the music scene.

Former music video dancer Elisabeth Ovesen recounted her experiences, saying that NDAs were common, often presented before she could even enter an event. Katie Waissel, a former reality star turned law student, echoes these concerns. She is campaigning for legislative change and questions the secrecy surrounding NDAs. “What are they trying to hide?” she asks, highlighting the need for transparency.