British actress Emily Atack, known for her roles in the hit comedy series The Inbetweeners and the recent adaptation of Rivals, has come forward with explosive claims about the sexual harassment and assaults she has endured throughout her career. Atack, now 35, revealed in early September 2025 that her experiences of sexual assault have occurred repeatedly on television sets and at work-related events, casting a stark light on the persistent dangers faced by women in the entertainment industry.
In a candid interview with Radio Times magazine, Atack did not mince words: "I've been sexually assaulted at work throughout my career, whether it's on the actual set, or at a wrap party." According to ARY News, she chose not to provide specific details about the incidents or name any perpetrators, but her statement alone has sent ripples through the British television community and beyond.
This is not the first time Atack has spoken publicly about harassment. In 2023, she fronted the BBC documentary Emily Atack: Asking For It?, a searing exploration of online sexual harassment. In the film, Atack laid bare the extent of the abuse she regularly receives, revealing, as reported by ARY News, that she was sent hundreds of explicit pictures and messages daily. The relentless nature of these online attacks forced her to seek therapy from a young age, a fact she has openly discussed in previous interviews.
Atack’s latest revelations come amid a broader reckoning in the entertainment industry, particularly since the #MeToo movement began to reshape conversations about workplace safety and respect. She acknowledged this shift, telling Radio Times, "Since the #MeToo movement, it shows that people are listening and that there has to be a shift in behaviour on sets." This sentiment is echoed by her reaction to the increasing presence of intimacy coordinators on film and television productions, a development she views as a positive response to longstanding issues.
"I've seen people roll their eyes about them and say, 'I don't need one.' 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 explained, as quoted by Bang Showbiz. She believes that the rise of these professionals signals that the industry is finally taking the safety and comfort of actors seriously.
Atack’s experience with intimacy coordinators during the filming of Rivals left her feeling especially grateful. "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. We have to do a lot of sexual scenes and we're very looked after. It's a really positive thing," she said. Her praise for the cast and crew of Rivals highlights how a respectful, well-supported environment can make a world of difference for actors navigating intimate or vulnerable scenes.
Inspired by her firsthand experiences, Atack has announced plans to create a documentary focusing specifically on intimacy coordinators. As she told Radio Times, "I want to do one on intimacy coordinators, and I'm going to start having conversations about it soon." She hopes the project will further educate both industry professionals and the public about the importance of these roles and the broader cultural shifts they represent.
Atack's career began at just 17, when she was cast as Charlotte Hinchcliffe in the coming-of-age comedy The Inbetweeners. The early exposure to fame brought its own set of challenges. In a 2023 interview, she disclosed that the unwanted attention from men started when she was still a teenager, and that she needed therapy to process the psychological toll. This background helps contextualize her current advocacy for safer working environments and her willingness to speak out, even when the topic is uncomfortable or controversial.
Her advocacy is not limited to her own experiences. Atack is keenly aware of the broader defensiveness that sometimes greets the introduction of intimacy coordinators. She acknowledges that some people feel accused or judged by their presence, but she insists their role is supportive, not accusatory. "Intimacy coordinators are there for support if you feel uncomfortable, whether you're a man or a woman," she reiterated, emphasizing that safety and respect should be universal values on set.
Beyond her activism, Atack continues to push forward in her acting career. She stars in the new Channel 5 drama The Rumour, which premiered in September 2025. The show centers on a convicted child killer believed to be living in a small town, and Atack plays a mother—a role that resonated deeply with her for personal reasons. She had given birth to her son, Barney, just ten weeks before filming began, and she is engaged to her fiancé, Alistair Garner. As she shared with Bang Showbiz, "I'd given birth 10 weeks before filming, so I was exhausted, emotional and still in agony from my caesarean, but it was really about getting back on the horse."
Portraying motherhood on screen took on new meaning for Atack. "Before, I'd be like, 'How do I play a mum? How do I make it look believable that I love this child?' In The Rumour, my fake son Liam was so sweet. I did even the tiny things, like getting him off to school, putting his bag on and adjusting his coat, with heartfelt emotion, because they really mean something now I have my own son," she explained. Her son Barney, now 14 months old, has clearly added a new dimension to both her personal and professional life.
Atack’s willingness to discuss her experiences—both painful and transformative—has made her a prominent voice in the ongoing conversation about safety, respect, and accountability in the entertainment industry. Her calls for more widespread adoption of intimacy coordinators, combined with her own plans to document their impact, suggest that she is committed to driving meaningful change, not just for herself but for future generations of actors.
As the release of The Rumour draws attention to her acting talents, Atack’s advocacy ensures that the spotlight remains focused on the need for safer, more respectful workplaces. Her story is a reminder that progress is possible, but only if people are willing to speak out—and listen.
