ICM Partners has been quite public about trying to reform its own workplace culture. But according to a story published in the Los Angeles Times on Wednesday, working at the high-powered agency can still be a traumatic experience for many lower-level employees.

The article documented a workplace where agents and other supervisors felt free to take out their frustrations on their assistants, screaming at them, demeaning them and making them feel worthless. The story also cited two examples of alleged sexual harassment against non-employees. The overall picture is one that is fairly common in Hollywood — a place where low-status employees are expected to bear the brunt of their bosses’ tirades without complaint.

“What goes on in these agencies, you don’t see in any other industry,” said employment attorney Carney Shegerian. “You don’t see other employers trying to get away with what they do in entertainment.”

Around Hollywood, many...