Today in Focus The law change that could transform toxic workplaces
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Jul 15, 2025 Zelda Perkins, former assistant to Harvey Weinstein, has spent years fighting against non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) that silence abuse victims. Alexandra Topping, a senior reporter at The Guardian, joins her to discuss the implications of recent legal changes regarding NDAs. They dive into the dark realities of workplace misconduct and the psychological impact on victims. The conversation also highlights how new legislation in the UK aims to empower employees, fostering a culture of openness and accountability in the workplace.
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Terror of NDA Negotiations
- Zelda Perkins described a terrifying and oppressive NDA negotiation at Miramax with no food or drink and being treated like a criminal.
- The experience left her feeling broken and was described as a form of legal waterboarding.
NDAs Protect Abusers' Power
- Abuse thrives because the law and NDAs protect the powerful and silence victims.
- This system of bought silence allows repeated abuse to continue unchecked in all kinds of workplaces.
Mental Toll of NDAs
- Zelda Perkins explained the catastrophic mental health impact of NDAs, including feeling gaslit and guilty for protecting abusers.
- Victims endure denial of their trauma and isolation, which grows worse over time.