The casting couch, casting couch syndrome or casting couch mentality is a term which involves the trading of sexual favors by an aspirant, apprentice employee, or subordinate to a superior, in return for entry into an occupation, or for other career advancement within an organization. The term "casting couch" originated in the motion picture industry, with specific reference to couches in the offices of casting agents that could be used for sexual activity between the agents and aspiring actresses. This is not to be confused with the adult entertainment industry where such actions may be a prerequisite, although many pornographic websites play on the casting couch theme, and alludes to similarities one may find in casting couch scenarios in the motion picture industry.
Male actors may also face sexual propositions. The term is now often used in reference to other industries besides entertainment. Careers which are highly desirable and traditionally difficult to break into, such as the movie, television and music industries have been the subject of casting couch stories in popular culture. Such trading of favors is an abuse of power, and can become a wider sex scandal if deemed newsworthy.
Read more about Casting Couch: Allegations From "casting Couch" Candidates
Famous quotes containing the words casting and/or couch:
“For the gods, though slow to see, see well, whenever a man casting aside worship turns folly.”
—Sophocles (497–406/5 B.C.)
“Where the bee sucks, there suck I,
In a cowslip’s bell I lie;
There I couch when owls do cry.
On the bat’s back I do fly
After summer merrily.
Merrily, merrily shall I live now,
Under the blossom that hangs on the bough.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)