Lena Headey Speaks Out Against Hollywood’s ‘Weird Protection’ of ‘Predatory Men’
Lena Headey, the talented actress known for her iconic portrayal of Cersei Lannister in HBO’s ‘Game of Thrones,’ has shared her thoughts on the ‘weird protection’ offered to ‘predatory men’ in the entertainment industry. In a recent interview, Headey revealed her feelings on the disproportionate power wielded by these individuals and the impact it has on vulnerable actresses.
Headey’s comments come in the wake of the #MeToo movement, which shed light on the widespread issue of sexual harassment and assault in Hollywood. The actress, who has been an outspoken advocate for women’s rights and equality, expressed her anger and frustration with the industry’s handling of these situations.
‘The weird protection that we offer predatory men in the business because of the disproportionate power they wield, set against the need among vulnerable actresses to work to put food on the table to get the job — it makes me very angry,’ Headey stated. ‘A job can be completely soured by one person who, for some reason, is allowed to get away with it.’
Headey’s experiences with Harvey Weinstein, who is currently serving time for multiple sexual assault charges, have been well-documented. In 2017, she accused the producer of making suggestive comments at the Venice Film Festival while promoting ‘The Brothers Grimm.’ Years later, Headey revealed that Weinstein had invited her to his hotel to show her a script.
Headey’s comments have sparked a renewed conversation about the need for greater accountability and protection for women in the entertainment industry. ‘I think most young women I speak to now in this business are so savvy. The attitude today is, ‘I’m not f—ing doing that,” she said.
The Backlash Over Not Going Nude for ‘Game of Thrones’ Scene
In a separate part of the interview, Headey discussed the backlash she faced for using a body double in a nude scene in Season 5 of ‘Game of Thrones.’ Headey revealed that she was ‘really shocked’ by the anger and criticism she received from fans and the media.
‘I was really shocked by the anger, by this idea that I’d duped the audience,’ Headey explained. ‘But by that point everyone knew [the cast], it was insane simply going anywhere, and I was with 3000 extras. Acting is a joy but it requires a lot of you. I wouldn’t have been able to do the emotional part of the job; I’d have been in full-on defensive mode.’
Headey’s decision to use a body double was a deliberate choice to prioritize her own comfort and well-being, particularly in a scene that required her to walk naked through the streets of King’s Landing. ‘I was trying to do a scene that was going to be very difficult for me to do, and I didn’t want to put myself in a situation where I was going to be uncomfortable,’ she said.
Headey’s comments serve as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing the well-being and safety of actresses in the entertainment industry. By speaking out against the ‘weird protection’ offered to ‘predatory men,’ Headey is helping to create a more inclusive and equitable environment for women in the industry.
