Emily Atack, a 34-year-old actress known for her role in The Inbetweeners, recently opened up about her “uncomfortable” sexual experiences, describing drunken encounters that she now views as rape. She discussed the importance of consent, revealing that she is fronting an “affirmative consent” campaign that aims to change the law so that both parties involved in a sexual act must confirm their willingness to proceed. Emily admitted that she has only truly enjoyed sex a few times, reflecting on her teenage years when she felt there were no barriers or boundaries in sexual encounters.
During a discussion on a podcast hosted by Jamie Laing, Emily shared her perspective on waking up after a night out and not being able to remember what happened, leading her to believe that she had to accept and move on from these experiences. She also expressed concern that men are able to have sex with drunk women and get away with it. Emily acknowledged that some of her past sexual experiences made her feel ashamed, upset, or angry but noted that societal conditioning had taught women to believe that such situations were normal. She emphasized the need for open conversations about consent and the difficulty both men and women face in acknowledging harmful behavior.
Emily has taken an active role in advocating for changes in laws related to rape and sexual assault through a campaign created by CPB London. The petition she is supporting calls for a shift from the current laws that consider “implied consent” to a model of affirmative consent, which would require explicit agreement at every stage of a sexual interaction. The campaign emphasizes the importance of preventing misunderstandings and protecting survivors by focusing on the presence of a “yes” rather than the absence of a “no.” Emily believes that such changes would help address the root causes of sexual harassment and violence that women and girls experience.
The actress also addressed the issue of online sexual harassment in a BBC2 documentary titled Emily Atack: Asking For It. She shared her personal experience of receiving daily abuse on her social media platforms and highlighted the need for stronger legal protections for those who face online harassment. In addition to her advocacy work, Emily welcomed her first child, son Barney, in June this year with scientist Alistair Garner, whom she has known for over 30 years. Through her personal journey and professional endeavors, Emily continues to raise awareness about consent, sexual violence, and the need for clearer communication in intimate relationships.
Overall, Emily Atack’s candid discussions about her own experiences with sexual encounters have shed light on the complexities of consent and societal attitudes towards sex. By sharing her story and advocating for changes in laws related to sexual assault, Emily is playing a vital role in promoting a culture of affirmative consent and empowering survivors of sexual violence. Her work serves as a reminder of the importance of open dialogue, education, and legal reform to address the root causes of sexual harassment and violence in society. Through her personal journey and professional endeavors, Emily is making a significant impact in the ongoing fight for justice and equality in intimate relationships.
