Mentor Sent Unwanted Pics to Young Actresses After Helping with ‘Sex Education’

Warning: This investigation contains themes of a sexual nature that some readers may find upsetting.

EXCLUSIVE: Nikki, a freshly graduated actress from the UK’s acclaimed performing arts system, found herself needing professional credits for her résumé. After seeking recommendations, she stumbled upon Ryan Kirwan, known for his booming showreel production business post-pandemic. Kirwan, who transformed from an actor to a UK’s go-to showreel producer using a 12K camera and strong self-promotional tactics, helped many aspiring actors secure roles in significant productions like Netflix’s Sex Education and Damsel. He even collaborated with top drama schools and directed short films such as Dysthymia.

While Kirwan’s mantra was “Just be nice,” and he was mostly professional during shoots, Nikki witnessed a darker side through WhatsApp. He began sending her unsolicited explicit images after they finished filming her showreel in June 2022. Nikki was not alone; Deadline reviewed evidence from six women who experienced similar harassment from Kirwan between 2021 and 2024. The women, aged between 19 and 44, accused Kirwan of either sending inappropriate images or sexualized messages.

The UK’s Cyberflashing laws under Section 66A of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 led the Metropolitan Police to investigate Kirwan after two women lodged complaints. Since then, Kirwan shut down his business, deleted most social media accounts, moved out of London, and has been apologizing to those he harassed. He admitted to the allegations, blaming his actions on a spiraling cocaine addiction and poor mental health, stating, “I take full responsibility for the people affected and wish to apologize to all of them.”

The women affected by his actions reflect unease and a feeling of complicity due to the perceived power dynamics. For them, Kirwan represented a gateway to the film and TV industry, which made his conduct even more troubling. All women chose to remain anonymous in fear of professional repercussions or retaliation from Kirwan.

Lucie’s Story

Lucie, an acting coach with an established business and older than the other women, met Kirwan in 2023. After a professional interaction, Kirwan began sharing inappropriate personal experiences on WhatsApp, which soon escalated to sending explicit photos. Lucie felt “sick and violated” and confronted Kirwan, who apologized and assured it wouldn’t happen again. Lucie blocked him and later posted on Instagram, seeking others who might have experienced similar behavior. She received overwhelming responses, confirming her fears.

Nikki’s Story

Nikki encountered Kirwan in 2022 when he began texting her too intimately after her showreel shoot. He claimed an incident involving male models, aiming to elicit a sexual response from her. Though initially embarrassed, Nikki realized through Instagram posts that Kirwan’s behavior was abnormal and predatory.

Another woman, Sabrina, Kirwan’s former employee, recounted a similar experience where Kirwan shared explicit sketches from a life drawing class. Like Nikki, Sabrina thought it was an isolated incident until connecting with others who shared their experiences.

Many women who dealt with Kirwan noticed he mixed professional messages with inappropriate ones, often persisting even after being rebuffed. At least two women reported him to the Metropolitan Police, and investigations are ongoing. Nikki expressed a sense of normalizing such behavior initially but later realized its unacceptable nature through external validation.

Two additional women, Hilary and Ashley, also received unsolicited nudes and inappropriate conducts. Hilary, just 19 at the time, was troubled by multiple explicit images sent by Kirwan. Ashley, who briefly dated him in 2019, continued facing harassment years after their breakup, ultimately blocking him and filing a police complaint.

Kirwan shut down his business and social media, attributing it to mental health struggles, yet many women believed his apology was part of damage control. Three women showed Deadline his written or voice note apologies, where he admitted inappropriate behavior, blaming his actions on cocaine addiction.

Though the exact number of those affected by Kirwan’s misconduct remains unclear, his Vimeo page hosted over 1,500 showreels, indicating substantial reach. His work with various drama schools, including East 15 where he trained, put him in contact with many aspiring actors.

Alexa Morden, an actress and podcast host, highlighted how power dynamics in the entertainment industry often lead to abuse. Speaking out and sharing experiences, she emphasized, is crucial for change, encouraging victims that they are not alone.

Source: Deadline