Actor John Barrowman, known for his roles in Doctor Who and Torchwood, has recently come under fire for multiple instances of exposing himself in public settings. The actor, born in Scotland and raised in America, has been reported to frequently expose his penis on set and during interviews. However, during an appearance on ITV’s Lorraine, Barrowman defended his actions, claiming that they do not constitute sexual harassment.
Time’s Up UK, a movement against sexual harassment, has voiced its disapproval of Barrowman’s actions and his dismissal of them as harmless. A spokesperson stated, “Flashing people IS sexual harassment, and it is never funny.” This sentiment underscores the need for the entertainment industry to reassert expected standards of behaviour.
In 2008, Barrowman publicly apologised for exposing himself during a BBC Radio 1 broadcast with Annie Mac and Nick Grimshaw. A more recent revelation from a 2018 Playbill article claims that during the original Broadway production of Sunset Boulevard, Barrowman used his exposed penis to play the piano on stage. Although the audience could not see this, the cast members could, prompting a letter from Andrew Lloyd-Webber asking Barrowman to refrain from such antics.
Barrowman’s actions resurfaced this year when a video clip of his Doctor Who castmates discussing his behaviour went viral. Barrowman referred to his actions as “tomfoolery” and stated that it was intended as humor for his colleagues. He admitted that with the benefit of hindsight, he understood that his behaviour could have been upsetting. He stated that since his 2008 apology, his understanding and behaviour have changed.
In his first on-screen appearance since these discussions began, Barrowman asserted that if the same actions were taken now, they would be crossing the line. He defended his past actions as bawdy, silly behaviour within the confines of a set where they were like a family. Barrowman argued that those criticising him were not there and did not know the context. He also expressed concern over not being given the chance to learn, adapt, and change due to the ongoing media scrutiny.
Barrowman affirmed that he has learned, adapted, and changed. He expressed a desire to move on and continue moving forward. In 2020, he joined the judging panel of Dancing on Ice but was not asked to return in 2021. The controversy surrounding Barrowman is a clear reminder of the need to maintain professional behaviour in the entertainment industry. Despite his assertions, his actions have sparked a debate on what constitutes sexual harassment, bringing to light the importance of clear boundaries and respect for colleagues in all industries.
Leave a Reply