Brooke Shields, the iconic actress and model, has always been known for her beauty, talent, and tenacity in the face of adversity. However, in recent news, Shields has opened up about a traumatic experience that occurred to her over 30 years ago. In an exclusive interview with ET Canada, Shields discusses how she was sexually assaulted by a Hollywood executive, shedding light on the dark aspects of the entertainment industry that have long been shrouded in secrecy. In this article, we will explore Shields’ story and the impact it has on Hollywood’s ongoing conversation about sexual abuse and harassment.
Brooke Shields, the popular American actress, model, and former child star, recently opened up about being sexually assaulted by a powerful Hollywood executive over 30 years ago. The incident, which happened when she was in her 20s, left Shields feeling vulnerable and unsure of herself.
In a recent interview with People, Shields revealed that she thought at the time, “No one is going to believe me.” She went on to add, “People weren’t believing those stories back then. I thought I would never work again.” Shields also discussed the assault in her upcoming two-part documentary, “Brooke Shields: Pretty Baby”, set to premiere April 3 on Hulu.
Speaking about the documentary, Shields said, “Doing the documentary, you see it all together, and it’s a miracle that I survived. It’s taken me a long time to process it.” She also admitted that she’s angrier now than she was before. “If you’re afraid, you’re rightfully so. They are scary situations. They don’t have to be violent to be scary.”
The actress recalled being at the “lowest point of my career” at the time, with her unable to find much work as a recent Princeton University graduate. She said of the dinner with the exec, “I thought I was getting a movie, a job,” and blamed herself for going up to his hotel to call a cab. “I didn’t fight,” she said in the documentary. “I just froze.”
Shields, who only told her close friend and former security consultant, Gavin de Becker, of the assault, added of blaming herself, “I kept saying, ‘I shouldn’t have done that. Why did I go up with him? I shouldn’t have had that drink at dinner.’”
“It was really easy to disassociate because by then, it was old hat,” she went on. “And because it was a fight-or-flight type of choice. Fight was not an option, so you just leave your body. ‘You’re not there. It didn’t happen.’”
The former child star was at the peak of her career in the late 70s and early 80s, beginning her rise to superstardom as a child model. Over the years, she’s worked on some of the biggest films and television shows in Hollywood, including “Pretty Baby”, “The Blue Lagoon”, and “Suddenly Susan”, among others.
Despite her success, Shields has always been open about the struggles she’s faced in her personal life. In her 2014 book, “There Was a Little Girl: The Real Story of My Mother and Me”, the actress opened up about the strained and sometimes abusive relationship she had with her mother, who was also her manager. Shields revealed that her mother, Teri, was an alcoholic who could be physically and emotionally abusive towards her children.
In addition to her struggles at home, Shields has been vocal about the constant pressure she’s faced in Hollywood, particularly in her early career, to be thin and conform to society’s standards of beauty. Despite the adversity, the actress has continued to be an influential figure in Hollywood, serving as an inspiration to women around the world.
In conclusion, Brooke Shields’ experience with sexual assault highlights the pervasive issue of sexual harassment in the entertainment industry, where women have long been subjected to abuse and mistreatment. Shields’ decision to come forward and speak about her experience is an important step towards recognizing the extent of the problem and taking necessary steps to address it. As more women come forward with their stories, it is hoped that Hollywood will take steps to ensure that a safe and respectful environment is provided for all actors and actresses.
Brooke Shields’ brave decision to open up about her experience with sexual assault sheds light on the pervasive issue of sexual misconduct in Hollywood, and underscores the importance of the #MeToo movement. While it’s been 30 years since her traumatic experience, Shields’ words serve as a powerful reminder that the effects of sexual assault can last a lifetime. It’s our hope that her story can encourage others who have faced similar challenges to speak out and feel less alone in their trauma. We thank Brooke for her courage and strength in sharing her story, and for giving voice to so many who have suffered in silence.
