Brooke Shields, the renowned supermodel, has recently started to confront her deep-seated anger stemming from a distressing incident of s**ual assault that occurred three decades ago at the hands of a powerful figure in Hollywood.
The revelation came to light as part of an exclusive interview with People magazine ahead of the premiere of her upcoming documentary, “Brooke Shields: Pretty Baby,” scheduled to debut next month on Hulu.
Shields disclosed that she had kept silent about the assault for years due to a prevailing fear that no one would believe her during that era.
She expressed, “I never opened up because I thought, ‘No one will trust me.
People were not receptive to such stories back then.
I believed my career was over.” The documentary is set to delve into Shields’ journey to stardom, portraying her roles in controversial films like Pretty Baby, where she portrayed a young prostitute, and The Blue Lagoon, which provoked public outcry for its portrayal of adolescent sensuality.
Reflecting on her assault, Shields remarked, “It has taken me a considerable amount of time to come to terms with it.
I am angrier now than I ever allowed myself to be back then.
Fear is justifiable.
These situations are terrifying and do not have to be overtly violent to induce fear.”
Recounting the traumatizing incident, Shields mentioned that it occurred when she was a recent graduate of Princeton University, grappling with a career slump and unable to secure acting opportunities.
Following a dinner meeting with a Hollywood executive, who she assumed would offer her a role in a movie, she found herself in a vulnerable position as he suggested she call a cab from his hotel room after their meal.
Subsequently, in his room, he assaulted her, leaving Shields in a state of shock.
She recalled, “I did not resist.
I simply froze.” Post-assault, Shields blamed herself entirely for the ordeal.
She recollected, “I kept telling myself, ‘I should not have gone there.
Why did I accompany him?
I should not have had that drink at dinner.
‘” Shields also revealed how she developed a coping mechanism of detachment at a young age to navigate the overwhelming fame and intensity of her experiences.
She shared, “I always felt disconnected from my body, particularly my sexuality.
Since I was predominantly a cover girl, everything was focused from my neck upwards.
It was easier to detach myself.
I became adept at it.”
During that period, Shields confided in only one individual about the distressing encounter, her close friend and former security advisor, Gavin de Becker.
Reflecting on the aftermath, de Becker noted, “Brooke lived under the scrutiny of millions for so long, so it was heartbreaking to witness her self-criticism.
However, it has been inspiring to witness her embrace the truth as she has.” Shields has now chosen to disclose her truth to the world in the hope of aiding others in feeling less isolated.
She explained, “Everyone processes their trauma at their own pace.
I aspire to be an advocate for women to share their stories openly.” She concluded, “I persevered like a force of nature…
I refuse to be vanquished.”
