Trauma Transformed: Charlize Theron Recounts Her Mother’s Act of Self-Defense

The accomplished actress, known for her roles in Mad Max Fury Road, delved into the emotional aftermath of the distressing incident, shedding light on how it influenced her journey towards advocating against gender-based violence.

Reflecting on the complexity of the situation, Theron expressed, “It's not just about that one night of trauma in your life.

Gender-based violence is an ever-present issue, both in South Africa and globally, making it impossible to ignore as a woman.”

The harrowing event unfolded in 1991, when Theron's father, Charles, posed a threat to her and her mother.

Recalling the terrifying memory during an NPR interview in December 2019, Theron disclosed, “My father was heavily intoxicated, barely able to walk, as he entered the house brandishing a gun.”

Describing the intense moment, she recounted, “My mom and I were bracing ourselves against the bedroom door to prevent him from forcing his way in.

He stepped back and fired three shots through the door.”

Miraculously, none of the bullets struck Theron or her mother.

She characterized her father as a “deeply troubled man” plagued by alcoholism throughout her upbringing.

“I only knew him as an alcoholic,” Theron shared.

“Our family was ensnared in a grim cycle with no apparent way out.”

The day-to-day struggles of living with an addict left a profound mark on Theron, surpassing the gravity of that fateful night.

The trauma lingered within her, shaping her perspective and future endeavors.

The shooting proved to be a pivotal moment in Theron's life, propelling her to establish the Char­lize Theron Africa Outreach Project.

In 2020, she co-launched the #TogetherForHer campaign, dedicated to supporting victims and survivors of pandemic-induced violence worldwide.

As a UN Peace Ambassador, Theron underscored the urgency of addressing female-centric issues, particularly amidst the surge in gender-based violence cases during the pandemic.

Commenting on the distressing trend, she emphasized, “Covid has exacerbated domestic violence rates to alarming levels.

The protective measures advised during the pandemic inadvertently endangered many individuals – women and children confined with abusers.”

Theron stressed the importance of tackling deep-rooted societal issues, including LGBTQ rights, women's empowerment, and racial equality, while advocating for tangible solutions and systemic changes.