Male Actors' Troubling Behavior Toward Female Costars

Allegations of harassment, intimidation, and disrespect highlight systemic issues in the entertainment industry.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The entertainment industry has a history of problematic behavior by male actors towards their female colleagues, ranging from inappropriate 'gifts' and unsolicited advice about appearance to outright harassment, intimidation, and even physical assault. Recent revelations and long-held anecdotes point to a pattern of power imbalances and a culture of impunity, with actresses increasingly speaking out against such misconduct despite potential career repercussions.

Why it matters

These incidents reflect deeper systemic issues within the entertainment industry, including power dynamics, pressure to maintain a certain image, and a historical lack of accountability. Addressing this problem requires a multi-faceted approach, including clearer codes of conduct, robust reporting mechanisms, and a willingness to hold perpetrators accountable in order to foster a culture of respect and empathy on set.

The details

Examples of problematic behavior include Margot Robbie receiving a book about weight loss from a male costar, Dustin Hoffman allegedly slapping Meryl Streep during a take, and Jared Leto sending disturbing 'gifts' like a dead pig and a rat to costars. Actresses like Bella Thorne, Miriam Margolyes, and Abigail Breslin have spoken out about their experiences, while incidents involving Lucy Liu, Sarah Silverman, and Elon Musk on the Saturday Night Live set further demonstrate a pattern of disrespect and verbal abuse.

  • The #MeToo movement significantly increased awareness of sexual harassment and assault in the entertainment industry, leading to greater scrutiny of on-set behavior.
  • Margot Robbie's experience with the unsolicited weight loss book occurred during the filming of an unnamed project.
  • The alleged incidents involving Dustin Hoffman, Jared Leto, and others spanned multiple years and productions.

The players

Margot Robbie

An Australian actress known for her roles in films like The Wolf of Wall Street and Suicide Squad.

Dustin Hoffman

A veteran American actor who has been accused of inappropriate behavior towards female costars.

Meryl Streep

A highly acclaimed American actress known for her versatility and critical acclaim.

Jared Leto

An American actor and musician who has been accused of sending disturbing 'gifts' to female costars.

Bella Thorne

An American actress who has spoken out about her experiences of misconduct on set.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

Addressing the systemic issues of misconduct in the entertainment industry will require a comprehensive approach, including clearer codes of conduct, robust reporting mechanisms, and a willingness to hold perpetrators accountable in order to foster a culture of respect and empathy on set.