In a recent candid interview with People, actress and model Brooke Shields has bravely shared her experience of surviving a sexual assault over 30 years ago. The renowned figure, who rose to fame at an early age, disclosed that a Hollywood producer assaulted her shortly after she graduated from Princeton University.
A Shift in Perspective
At the time of the attack, Shields grappled with self-blame, a common response among survivors. 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 delves deeper into her storyline, shedding light on the challenges she faced. Reflecting on her life, Shields remarked, “You see it all together doing the documentary, and it’s a marvel that I lived.”
Early Fame and Industry Challenges
Shields began her modeling career at just 11 months old and, by age 12, starred in the controversial film Pretty Baby as a juvenile prostitute. At 14, she made history as the youngest model to grace the cover of Vogue. Throughout the 1980s, Shields continued to make headlines with provocative Calvin Klein advertisements, inadvertently becoming a victim of the industry’s sexualization of young women.
After graduating from Princeton, Shields found herself at a career crossroads. During a dinner meeting with an unnamed Hollywood executive, she hoped to secure a role or job opportunity. Tragically, after their meal, the executive invited her to his hotel room under the guise of calling a cab, where Shields endured the unimaginable—she was sexually assaulted.
Reflecting on that horrific night, she recalls, “I didn’t fight. I just stood there frozen.”
The Weight of Silence and Self-Blame
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. Over time, she confided in a trusted friend, security consultant Gavin de Becker. Now, Shields is ready to share her story with the world, hoping to offer solace and support to others who have experienced similar traumas.
Advocating for Change
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 heartbreaking to consider that many individuals who have suffered sexual assault often refrain from speaking out due to fear of disbelief. We must work to change this narrative, starting with believing survivors and encouraging them to share their stories, freeing them from the burden of carrying their secrets for decades.
A Call to Action
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.
