BBC defends Louis Theroux sex worker documentary after subject claims she was ‘mistreated’ during filming

Contributor detailed a series of alleged incidents that left her uncomfortable

The BBC has continued to defend itself from allegations that Louis Theroux’s documentary about sex workers manipulated his subjects.

A contributor named Ashleigh, 23, has stated that the experience of appearing in the film Selling Sex, which was broadcast last month, has left her “deeply unhappy”.

In an op-ed for Gal-Dem, Ashleigh said she was “mistreated” while the documentary was being made.

The BBC told Deadline: ”Duty of care to contributors is of paramount importance to both the BBC and Louis Theroux.”

Ashleigh detailed a series of alleged incidents that left her uncomfortable, one of which involved a “prominent member of the crew” who “crossed the line”. She did not offer specific details.

The BBC said that, after “thoroughly investigating” the incidents, they found “insufficient evidence to support any allegations of misconduct”.

Ashleigh, who has been diagnosed with Aspergers, also accused BBC Studios’ producers of not having “a good understanding of disability” and said that her carer was not present when she was asked to sign release forms. She said she had to “fight hard” for Theroux to reference this in his voiceover.

Ashleigh said the film’s final cut ”leaned into lazy stereotypes and tropes”, adding: “The production team had a chance to do something good and instead just wanted to grab their payslips and go.”

In August 2019, both Ashleigh and another contributor named Georgina said they felt misled over the documentary’s narrative and worried about it perpetuating negative stereotypes surrounding those in the industry.

At the time, the BBC said in a statement: “Georgina is not identified as being a sex worker in the film, nor is she a subject of the documentary. Our initial contact was with Ashleigh, and it was clear that she was the focus of the film, not Georgina. We have addressed their concerns in the final edit of the film, and have listened to their comments throughout the filming process.

Following Ashleigh’s op-ed, published on Tuesday (3 February), the BBC added: “Ashleigh raised a number of concerns about her contribution to the program, and the production team worked with her extensively to ensure those concerns were listened to and, where appropriate, were addressed in the final edit of the program.”

“We are confident that Ashleigh gave informed consent to be a part of the documentary as is evidenced by ongoing communication with her. The final edit does, and should, lie in the control of the BBC, but the welfare and views of our contributors are always part of our process and it was our genuine view that Ashleigh’s concerns had been resolved.

“As such we are disappointed to see her concerns raised again and believe there are a number of factual inaccuracies in Ashleigh’s account of events.”

Ashleigh said the BBC offered her therapy but described this action as “too little, too late”.