Brooke Shields, a prominent actress and cultural icon, has long been admired for her beauty and talent. However, throughout her life and career, she has faced unjust criticism, including from her own mother, Teri Shields, who was also her manager. Now 57, Brooke is opening up about her experiences, shedding light on the personal challenges she has endured and how they have shaped her.
Early Criticism and Relationship with Her Mother
Brooke revealed that her first critic was her mother, who struggled with alcoholism. Teri’s hurtful comments about her body left a lasting impact. “My mother would get drunk and say, ‘Why don’t you move your fat ass?’” Brooke shared, explaining that these remarks distorted her self-image, making her believe she had a larger body than she did. Teri’s critical behavior left emotional scars that took years for Brooke to heal, even after her mother passed away in 2012.
Finding Acceptance and Support
Despite the body shaming she endured, Brooke eventually found solace and affirmation in her relationship with her husband, Chris Henchy. Married for 17 years, Chris encouraged Brooke to embrace her body as it was. “He praised my womanliness and my body,” she recalls, explaining how his support helped her shift her perspective. For the first time, she felt celebrated for who she truly was.
Before marrying Chris, Brooke was briefly married to tennis star Andre Agassi from 1997 to 1999. She became a household name as a teenager, particularly with her iconic Calvin Klein jeans ad in 1980, which solidified her as a symbol of beauty. However, Brooke admits that despite public admiration, she often struggled with her self-esteem, especially when modeling swimwear at the age of 15.
Ongoing Body Image Struggles
Throughout her career, Brooke faced criticism for not fitting into the typical supermodel mold. “I was labeled ‘athletic,’ ‘not rail-thin,’ and ‘not a runway model,’” she explains, noting that such comments can affect a person’s confidence, even when the world views them as beautiful. Brooke worked hard to maintain her image, including cutting out beer and wine and increasing her workouts for a recent Calvin Klein swimwear campaign. Although she was proud of her efforts, she humorously admitted to being “hungry” during the process.
Speaking Out About Sexual Assault
In addition to body image challenges, Brooke recently opened up about a traumatic incident from over 30 years ago. After graduating from Princeton University, she met with a Hollywood executive, hoping to discuss a role. Instead, the meeting turned into a nightmare when the executive lured her to his hotel room and sexually assaulted her.
Brooke recalled feeling frozen during the assault, unable to fight back. In the aftermath, she blamed herself for what happened. “I kept telling myself, ‘I shouldn’t have done that.’ Why did I agree to go up with him?” she said, expressing the deep guilt that weighed on her for years.
For a long time, Brooke kept the incident to herself, confiding only in a close friend. However, she now feels ready to share her story, hoping to help others who may have experienced similar trauma. In her upcoming two-part documentary Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields, she explores this dark chapter of her life, along with the other challenges she has faced. Reflecting on the experience, she said, “It’s a miracle that I survived.”
A Message of Resilience and Empowerment
Despite the obstacles she has encountered, Brooke Shields continues to thrive in her career and personal life. Her decision to share her story publicly is a powerful step toward healing and advocacy. By speaking out, Brooke hopes to inspire others to process their own traumas and to stand up for their right to speak their truth.
Please feel free to share this post with friends and family, as it provides valuable insight into Brooke Shields’ strength and resilience throughout her remarkable life.
