Charlize Theron has spoken about her personal reasons for not disclosing the identity of the director at the center of her sexual harassment allegations, offering insight into her approach during a recent episode of the Call Her Daddy podcast hosted by Alex Cooper. These statements build upon the allegations Theron first brought forward in 2019, thrusting the topic of sexual harassment within the film industry, especially involving high-profile individuals, into renewed focus.
Recounting the Incident and Its Aftermath
During her appearance, Theron detailed the series of events that led her to share her story. After announcing her experience years ago, Theron revealed that the unnamed director became anxious, leading him to send her what she described as a panicked letter in an effort to explain his behavior. She recounted the incident that occurred during the early stages of her career in 1994, when she visited the director’s home one Saturday night for an audition. Upon arrival, she was greeted by him in silk pajamas, and he proceeded to inappropriately rub her legs, prompting Theron to leave immediately.
Speaking to her motivation for withholding his name, Theron explained,
This guy, he got a little nervous for a while there. I’ve never said his name because honestly, I don’t want the story to be about him,
—Charlize Theron, Academy Award Winner. She insisted that her silence was not to protect the perpetrator, clarifying,
Not because I’m protecting him or anything. But he got nervous for a little bit. Because he heard me tell the story and he knew it was about him and he wrote me a pretend letter trying to explain his behavior and how I must have misunderstood it.
—Charlize Theron, Academy Award Winner.
Theron’s frustration was evident as she reflected further, noting,
It’s so classic. I think he panicked, started panicking . . . and I just realized like, I won’t even say your name because you’re the scumbag.
—Charlize Theron, Academy Award Winner.
Charlize Theron’s Ongoing Response and Emotional Impact
Despite refusing to reveal the director’s identity, Theron made it clear she would not shield him if questioned directly. She emphasized,
If anybody ever asks me about him, I would be completely honest,
—Charlize Theron, Academy Award Winner, and went on to say,
And he knows that. And I kind of like that he’s gotta be on a hot seat. He doesn’t know when it’s gonna come. I kind of like that a little more.
—Charlize Theron, Academy Award Winner.
Although the alleged incident took place decades ago, Theron described a lingering self-directed anger stemming from her response at the time. Reflecting on her emotional turmoil, she recalled,
I remember being furious with myself because I couldn’t believe how I had let myself down,
—Charlize Theron, Academy Award Winner, admitting,
I was like, What the f—? Who the f— are you? I still get those feelings, you know?
—Charlize Theron, Academy Award Winner.
Societal Blame and Cultural Attitudes
Theron criticized how survivors are sometimes addressed, stating,
Because it’s like, you know yourself so well, and there’s something that really breaks my heart to when people in this very luxurious manner talk about ‘Well, you know what, next time you should f—ing say something. Don’t wait 20 years,’
—Charlize Theron, Academy Award Winner. She challenged attitudes that shape responses to such disclosures, adding,
That’s really what it boils down to. Instead of saying, ‘I don’t believe you,’ it’s, ‘don’t be a f—ing pussy. Like maybe you shouldn’t have been a pussy about it.’ And we all know what that feels like. It feels like no matter what they say, it can’t hurt more than what you’re telling yourself.
—Charlize Theron, Academy Award Winner.
Broader Movement and Shared Experiences
The conversation also resonated with host Alex Cooper, who recently recounted her own experience of sexual harassment at the hands of her college soccer coach, as shared in her Hulu docuseries Call Her Alex. Theron expressed the need for public dialogue, acknowledging,
We need to tell these stories so that we can understand that we’re not alone,
—Charlize Theron, Academy Award Winner.
The Ongoing Importance of Speaking Out
Charlize Theron’s continued refusal to publicly name the director central to her sexual harassment allegations keeps the focus on broader issues rather than individuals. By sharing her story and expressing her internal struggles, she echoes the voices of other women who have stepped forward following high-profile cases like those involving Roger Ailes and Fox News. Theron’s experiences, along with those of Alex Cooper and countless others, highlight the pervasive nature of harassment within industries of power, serving as a reminder of the long-term emotional effects and the critical value of breaking the silence.
