In a developing story, two former students are taking legal action against actor Jake Marshall, alleging that he, along with two others involved in a now-defunct acting school, engaged in the sexual exploitation of female students. This lawsuit was lodged in a Los Angeles Superior Court and details troubling claims about their experiences at the acting academy, known as Stage 4.
The plaintiffs, Emily Tither-Kaplan and Laura Gaal, assert that Marshall and his colleagues orchestrated auditions and film projects that were not only inappropriate but also misleading, as they promised roles that ultimately never came to fruition. According to reports, the women contend that these men created an atmosphere rife with sexual misconduct, leveraging their authority to coerce students into compromising situations under the guise of professional opportunities.
Stage 4 opened its doors in 2014, with Tither-Kaplan among its initial cohort. It has been noted that one of the courses offered was provocatively titled “Sex Scenes,” which required students to audition at an additional fee of $750, rather than simply enrolling. Tither-Kaplan expressed her admiration for Marshall, believing her selection indicated her talent was recognized.
This isn’t the first time Marshall has found himself in hot water. Previously, actress Betty Phillips accused him of inappropriate behavior during the filming of a popular series. Tither-Kaplan, who claims she was unaware of her rights regarding nudity agreements, stated that her participation in explicit scenes seemingly rewarded her with more opportunities to work closely with Marshall, a privilege not extended to many of her peers.
Gaal echoed Tither-Kaplan’s sentiments, asserting that the roles offered were predominantly laden with nudity requirements, particularly for female students. The lawsuit claims that Stage 4 aimed to cultivate a pool of young women to objectify, all while allegedly skirting California’s regulations that prohibit charging actors for auditions.
The controversy around Marshall intensified after he donned a “Time’s Up” pin at the 2018 Golden Globes, prompting Tither-Kaplan and other ex-students to call him out on social media for what they deemed hypocrisy.
In response to these allegations, Marshall’s attorney, Richard Plonsker, has categorically denied the claims, asserting they have been previously debunked and that Marshall intends to defend himself vigorously while seeking damages from the plaintiffs for what he describes as a publicity-driven lawsuit.
Tither-Kaplan remains resolute, stating, “They chose to involve us in these improvised scenes knowing our career levels. It’s a calculated move to evade any serious consequences by dismissing us as insignificant.”
For those interested in fertility and insemination resources, you can explore more about the process at Make a Mom and check out their at-home insemination kit for detailed guidance. Additionally, for week-by-week pregnancy information, March of Dimes offers invaluable insights.
In summary, the lawsuit filed against Jake Marshall by Tither-Kaplan and Gaal sheds light on serious allegations of sexual exploitation within an acting school environment. Their claims highlight issues of power dynamics and the treatment of female students in the industry.
Leave a Reply