In a recent frank interview with People, actress and model Brooke Shields boldly described her experience surviving a sexual attack over 30 years ago. The prominent figure, who came to prominence at a young age, said that a Hollywood producer molested her shortly after graduating from Princeton University.
Shields struggled with self-blame at the time of the assault, as do many survivors. However, with time, she has realized that the criminal is completely responsible. Shields emphasized her fury today, saying, “I’m more furious than I was then. You have every reason to be afraid. These are terrible possibilities. These possibilities don’t necessarily need to be violent to be terrifying.
Shields initially faced suspicion and mistrust as society struggled to acknowledge the prevalence of s.e.x.ual assault. The upcoming two-part documentary Beautiful Baby: Brooke Shields looks deeper into her journey, putting light on the obstacles she endured. Shields reflected on her life, stating, “You see it all together doing the documentary, and it’s a marvel that I lived.”
Shields began modeling at the age of 11 months and acted as a juvenile prostitute in the controversial film Pretty Baby when she was 12. At the age of 14, she became the youngest model to appear on the cover of Vogue. Shields continued to make headlines in the 1980s with controversial Calvin Klein campaigns, unintentionally becoming a victim of the industry’s sexualization of young women.
After graduating from Princeton, Shields faced a pivotal moment in her career. During a dinner meeting with an anonymous Hollywood executive, she wanted to land a role or career opportunity. Tragically, the CEO lured Shields to his hotel room, pretending to summon a cab, where he sexually assaulted her.
Reflecting on that awful night, she says, “I didn’t fight. I just stood there, paralyzed.”
Shields experienced an intense sense of self-blame following the incident. She questioned her choices, chastising herself for coming to the executive’s suite and even drinking throughout their supper. She eventually confided in Gavin de Becker, a close friend and security specialist. Shields is now ready to share her story with the world, wanting to provide comfort and support to those who have been through similar horrors.
Shields notes, when recounting her healing path, that “Everyone tackles their trauma at their own pace. I want to push for women’s right to speak up.” The number of sexually assaulted individuals who refrain from speaking out due to fear of disbelief is disheartening. We must seek to change this narrative, beginning with believing survivors and encouraging them to share their tales, relieving them of the weight of keeping their secrets for decades.
Please help us spread the news about Brooke Shields’ courageous tale. Let’s collaborate to create a secure and encouraging environment where all survivors can come forward, confident that they will receive hearing, belief, and support.