Margot Robbie recounted a difficult moment from the beginning of her acting career involving an unsettling gift from a male co-star. During a video interview for her new film Wuthering Heights, Robbie discussed the awkward encounter that left her feeling disappointed and shocked. This incident provides insight into the challenges she faced as a young performer coping with unsolicited remarks in Hollywood.
The Book ‘Why French Women Don’t Get Fat’ as a Troubling Present
In a candid conversation with Charli XCX for Complex, Robbie described receiving a copy of the 2007 book Why French Women Don’t Get Fat by Mireille Guiliano from a male actor she chose not to name. The 35-year-old actress said the book was essentially telling her to eat less, which she found deeply offensive. She recalled her immediate reaction, thinking, “Whoa, f— you, dude.”
The incident occurred very early in her career, and Robbie admitted she does not know what became of that co-star. Charli XCX injected humor into the moment by joking directly to the camera, “Your career’s over, babe,” in response to the actor’s poor choice of gift.
Feeling the Weight of Unwanted Body Comments
Robbie explained why the gift was particularly hurtful. To her, it came across as a message that she needed to lose weight, which left her stunned and disheartened. Reflecting on the experience, she could only express a disappointed and shocked “wow,” highlighting the emotional impact of receiving such an unsolicited critique.
Unusual Gifts From Fans Add to the Conversation
The interview also gave Charli XCX a chance to share a bizarre gift from a fan—a necklace containing a small jar of the fan’s mother’s ashes. The singer admitted,
“I just didn’t quite know what to do with it,”
adding another layer to stories about strange presents given to public figures.
Robbie’s Latest Film and Continuing Career
Margot Robbie stars in Wuthering Heights, which is set to open in theaters on Friday, February 13. This glimpse into her early career challenges underscores the pressures faced by performers navigating their public image, especially regarding body image in Hollywood. The story also illustrates how such experiences can influence actors’ perspectives as they progress in their careers.
