In recent times, Hollywood has witnessed a surge in reports of sexism, highlighting issues such as the gender pay gap and s**ual harassment.
However, actress Debra Messing has now come forward to share a different but equally disturbing experience she encountered while filming a movie over two decades ago.
This encounter has fueled her passion for advocating women's rights today.
During the MAKERS conference in Paso Robles, CA, Messing spoke with Elle.com about an incident that occurred during one of her first acting jobs in 1995, while filming the movie “A Walk in the Clouds.”
“I had never been on a film before,” Messing revealed in the interview.
“I was doing a love scene with Keanu Reeves.
We began shooting, and the renowned director suddenly yelled ‘cut' and exclaimed, ‘How quickly can we get a plastic surgeon in here?
Her nose is ruining my movie.'”
However, the distressing encounter did not end there.
While recounting the incident at the conference, Messing disclosed that director Alfonso Arau also demanded an impromptu n^de scene, forcefully lifting the sheet covering her to scrutinize her exposed body.
Understandably, Arau's harsh criticism took a toll on Messing.
“It has taken me years and years to fully embrace my uniqueness and appreciate what sets me apart,” she shared.
“I have confronted a truth within my industry and our culture.
There exists an exceedingly limited definition of what constitutes a beautiful, vibrant, and intriguing woman.
It is this limited perception that we constantly strive to challenge.”
Fortunately, Messing has finally found peace with herself.
In her concluding statement, she defiantly proclaimed, “My nose and I have come a long way, and like Barbra Streisand, I am proudly keeping it.”
