Morven Christie has revealed that she was left "destroyed" after experiencing bullying from a male co-star five years ago. The actress, who viewers most recently saw on screens playing Detective Sergeant Lisa Armstrong in ITV's The Bay, spoke out for the first time about the ordeal to Variety in the wake of the allegations against actor and director Noel Clarke.
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While she didn't name her bully, she explained that during a 15-week shoot five years ago she was targeted by a fellow actor who left her confidence in tatters.
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"The industry needs a total recalibration," she said. "The onus remains on the victim to report, and the focus after doing so is protecting the production legally, rather than accountability for perpetrators, who continue to flourish.
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"I've personally experienced this all the way up to broadcaster executive level and the impact is still with me five years later. It destroyed my confidence," she told the publication.
© Photo: RexMorven alleges a male co-star left her confidence in tatters
She continued: "It feels like a protection racket for powerful men. They're not secrets. No one is surprised. My greatest disappointment is that they're accepted, covered up, excused, protected and — in more cases than just [Noel Clarke] — rewarded."
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Last Friday, ITV pulled the final episode of five-part drama Viewpoint from schedule after more than 20 women came forward with accusations against lead actor Noel. BAFTA bosses also suspended his membership and recent award win after the
© Photo: ITVThe actress played Lisa in The Bay
Speaking about the scandal, Morven added: "I believed in BAFTA post #MeToo and the incredible work they've done around inclusion," she said. "That change moved me to my soul, so this broke my heart. My immediate reaction was that I wanted to hand back my membership."
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