Can't Buy My Silence
The campaign to end abusive non-disclosure agreements
In 2017 Zelda Perkins became the first woman to break her NDA with Harvey Weistein, signed years earlier when she was just 24 years old. Since then she has spoken out to try to end these abusive agreements that silence victims from talking about harassment, abuse or discrimination they experience at work.
NDA’s have become the default solution for organisations, corporations and public bodies to settle cases of sexual misconduct, racism, pregnancy discrimination and other human rights violations.
But thanks to Zelda’s campaign - Can’t Buy My Silence - alongside the courage of many victims speaking out about the harm these agreements have cost, in 2026 the UK Government finally agreed to move to ban abusive NDAs adding an amendment to the Employee’s Rights Act.
Right now the Government is consulting on the details of how to ensure abusive NDA’s are properly outlawed. Can’t Buy My Silence are asking for everyone who has experienced the impacts of NDAs to complete the consultation. Take part here (opens in a new tab).
Zelda joined Breakthrough’s first ever Accelerator programme in 2023. We’ve supported her over three years to build a team, raise funds, speak out in the media and keep the pressure in Parliament even through a change of Government.
Breakthrough’s support has been transformational on a personal, emotional and practical level. I simply couldn’t have won this without them.
— Zelda Perkins