Emerald Fennell, the acclaimed writer-director known for her recent works including Wuthering Heights and Promising Young Woman, has disclosed a harrowing episode of harassment she faced during her earlier acting career. Speaking candidly about this traumatic experience, Fennell revealed how a director demanded she remove her underwear to film an upskirt shot, an incident highlighting the pervasive abuse actors endure in the entertainment industry.
Fennell’s career transitioned from acting to directing after notable appearances in films like The Danish Girl and popular TV series such as The Crown and Call the Midwife. Despite her current success, she has not shied away from exposing the grim realities she faced as an actor, particularly in male-dominated environments.
Podcast Discussion Uncovers Disturbing Director Request
During an appearance on Josh Horowitz’s Happy Sad Confused podcast, Fennell was asked about the worst direction she ever received. She recounted a shocking moment when a director told her,
“Can you take your knickers off and let me film up your skirt?”
Horowitz responded with visible shock and asked how she handled the demand, to which Fennell replied, “Not great.”
Fennell emphasized that this abuse of power is not a distant memory but a contemporary issue, noting,
“This is the real world we live in.”
The incident serves as a stark reminder that harassment remains deeply embedded in the fabric of the film industry, even today.
Broader Industry Pattern of Harassment Revealed by Colleagues
This revelation comes amid a broader wave of vocal accounts from actresses on the current press tour for Wuthering Heights. Margot Robbie, a fellow industry figure, shared her own encounter with insensitivity when a male co-star gave her a book called French Women Don’t Get Fat early in her career, effectively advising her to eat less. Robbie expressed her frustration, stating,
“Very, very early in my career, an actor I worked with, a male actor, gave me a book called French Women Don’t Get Fat, and it was essentially a book telling you to eat less and I was like, whoa, f*ck you, dude.”
Such stories expose a recurring pattern of mistreatment and objectification that has long been normalized in acting circles, affecting women’s dignity and career trajectories.
Fennell’s Advocacy Grounded in #MeToo Movement Awareness
Emerald Fennell has previously addressed sexual harassment and assault, notably during the promotion of Promising Young Woman, her directorial debut featuring Carey Mulligan. The film centers on a character seeking vengeance after her friend’s tragic suicide following a sexual assault.
When questioned about the film’s connection to the #MeToo movement, Fennell acknowledged the positive changes it has triggered in the industry but stressed ongoing challenges. Speaking to Vogue, she remarked,
“#MeToo is so important and I have noticed a difference [in the industry since the movement began].”
She described the toxic pressure around nudity during her early acting days:
“Almost every other thing I was sent had nudity in it, and to mind or question it was to be square and unprofessional.”
The #MeToo movement, born in 2017 following allegations against Harvey Weinstein, unveiled systemic abuses by powerful Hollywood figures, empowering many survivors to share their experiences and demand reform.
Highlighting Accountability and Victim Blaming in the Industry
Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, Fennell condemned the culture of victim blaming that dominates conversations around sexual crimes in entertainment. She stated,
“There’s no other crime where we foist the responsibility onto the victim. It’s ridiculous and it’s completely unacceptable.”
She further insisted on accountability, emphasizing,
“Not only should there be an enormous amount of shame for the people who perpetrate these crimes but there should be shame for the people who tacitly allow them.”
Her comments underscore the urgent need for systemic change in Hollywood and beyond to protect vulnerable individuals.
Support Resources for Survivors of Harassment and Assault
Those affected by similar experiences are encouraged to seek confidential help. The Survivors Trust offers free support via phone at 08088 010 818 during specified hours from Monday to Sunday, providing vital assistance for victims of harassment, assault, and related trauma.
Emerald Fennell’s brave disclosure adds to the ongoing dialogue challenging abusive power dynamics in the film industry, highlighting the importance of reform and respect for all performers. As conversations like these continue, the hope remains for safer working environments and greater accountability within Hollywood and across creative fields.
