I was silenced by Harvey Weinstein – we must change the law protecting predators

Powerful men cover up their crimes against women with non-disclosure agreements, writes Zelda Perkins – the former assistant to disgraced film producer Weinstein. If broadcasters are serious about making Russell Brand their MeToo moment, they must take action to ban NDAs

Zelda Perkins (Paul Grover/Shutterstock)

Twenty-five years ago, I walked into the office of a law firm to report my boss, film producer Harvey Weinstein after he attempted to rape a colleague of mine at the Venice Film Festival.

Instead of receiving the support I needed, I was pressured – on the advice of my lawyers – to sign an incredibly restrictive non-disclosure agreement (NDA) that cost me my career and, to my devastation, allowed Weinstein’s behaviour to continue unchecked for years.

It came as no surprise to me when the Dispatches documentary about Russell Brand alleged that he had resorted to threats of legal action against “Alice” – the 16-year-old girl Brand is alleged to have had a sexual relationship with when he was 30.