CALIFORNIA SEXUAL ABUSE ATTORNEYS
Los Angeles Entertainment Industry Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Compass Law Group represents survivors of sexual abuse in California’s entertainment industry — on sets, at auditions, and in agencies and studios.
Compass Law Group represents survivors of sexual abuse and assault in California’s entertainment industry — on sets, at auditions, and inside agencies and studios. Under California law, survivors can pursue civil claims against abusers and the production companies, agencies, or studios whose negligence enabled the abuse, with no criminal conviction required.
This page is legal information, not legal advice. Every case is confidential and evaluated individually.
How the entertainment industry can enable abuse
The industry runs on access and power imbalance: auditions behind closed doors, gatekeepers who control careers, and a culture that has historically pressured victims into silence. Those conditions are exactly where abuse takes hold — and where companies that ignore them can be held responsible.
Who can be held liable for entertainment-industry sexual abuse?
Depending on the facts, multiple parties may be responsible:
| Party | Basis of liability |
|---|---|
| The individual abuser | Sexual battery (Civ. Code § 1708.5); assault |
| Producer or director | Civil Code § 51.9 expressly lists ‘director or producer’ relationships |
| Production company / studio | Negligent hiring, supervision, or retention; respondeat superior |
| Talent agency / manager | Negligence where it placed or enabled a known abuser |
What California laws apply?
Several statutes support these claims: Civil Code § 51.9 (which specifically covers directors and producers), Civil Code § 1708.5 (sexual battery), Civil Code § 52.4 (gender violence, with attorney’s fees), and the deadlines in CCP § 340.16. Punitive damages may apply under Civil Code § 3294.
Talk to a California Sexual Abuse Attorney
Compass Law Group represents survivors across California on a confidential, no-fee-unless-we-win basis. Learn more on our sexual abuse lawyer page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue a studio or production company for sexual abuse?
Yes, where the company’s negligence — such as ignoring complaints about a known abuser — enabled the abuse, in addition to a claim against the abuser.
Does California law cover abuse by a producer or director?
Yes. Civil Code § 51.9 expressly lists ‘director or producer’ among the professional relationships it covers.
Do I need a criminal case to sue?
No. Civil claims are independent of any criminal prosecution and use a lower burden of proof.
How long do I have to file?
Adults generally have the later of 10 years from the assault or 3 years from discovery under CCP § 340.16.
Joseph Shirazi — Managing Partner · California State Bar #265403
Joseph Shirazi is the Managing Partner of Compass Law Group, LLP, representing injury and abuse survivors throughout California. He leads the firm’s litigation practice and has recovered substantial results for clients in serious injury and sexual abuse cases.
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Legally reviewed by Simon Esfandi, Partner & Co-Founder (CA Bar #275307).
Disclaimer: This page provides general legal information about California law and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
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