In a recent candid interview with People, Brooke Shields has bravely shared her experience of surviving a sexual assault over 30 years ago. The renowned actress and model, who rose to fame at an early age, disclosed that a Hollywood producer assaulted her shortly after she graduated from Princeton University.
At the time of the attack, Shields blamed herself, as many survivors often do. However, with the passage of time, she has come to understand that the fault lies solely with the perpetrator. Speaking about her feelings today, Shields expressed her anger, stating, “I’m more enraged today than I was then. You have every right to be terrified. Those are frightening scenarios. They don’t have to be violent to be frightening.”
When Shields first came forward with her allegations, she faced disbelief and skepticism, as society struggled to acknowledge the prevalence of sexual assault. The forthcoming two-part documentary titled “Beautiful Baby: Brooke Shields” dives deeper into her storyline, shedding light on the challenges she faced. As Shields looks back on her life, she reflects, “You see it all together doing the documentary, and it’s a marvel that I lived.”
Brooke Shields began her modeling career at the tender age of 11 months, and by the time she was 12, she starred in the controversial film “Pretty Baby” as a juvenile prostitute. She made history at 14, becoming the youngest model to grace the cover of Vogue. During the 1980s, Shields continued to make headlines with provocative Calvin Klein advertisements, unwittingly falling prey to the industry’s sexualization of young women.
After graduating from Princeton University, Shields found herself at a crossroads in her career. During a dinner meeting with an unnamed Hollywood executive, she hoped to secure a role in a film or a job opportunity. However, after their meal, the executive invited her to his hotel room under the guise of calling a cab. Tragically, it was there that Shields endured the unimaginable – she was sexually assaulted.
Reflecting on that horrific night, Shields shares honestly, “I didn’t fight. I just stood there frozen.”
In the aftermath of the assault, Shields felt an overwhelming sense of self-blame. She questioned her decisions, berating herself for going to the executive’s room and even for having a drink during their dinner. With time, she confided in one trusted person, her close friend Gavin de Becker, a former security consultant. However, now Shields is ready to share her story with the world, in the hopes of offering solace and support to others who have experienced similar traumas.
Recounting her journey of healing, Shields acknowledges, “Everyone handles their trauma on their timetable. I want to advocate for women’s right to speak their minds.” It is heart-wrenching to think that individuals who have suffered sexual assault often refrain from speaking out due to their fear of not being believed. We must change this narrative, beginning with believing survivors and encouraging them to share their stories so that they don’t have to carry the weight of their secrets for decades.
Please join us in spreading the word about Brooke Shields’ courageous story. Together, let’s create a safe and supportive environment for all survivors to come forward, knowing that they will be heard, believed, and supported.
