Margot Robbie Condemns Male Co-Star's 'Eat Less' Book Gift
Margot Robbie has publicly denounced a disturbing incident involving a former male co-star who gave her a book advising her to eat less. The Australian actress, currently promoting her new film Wuthering Heights, shared this shocking revelation during a recent interview, highlighting ongoing issues with body image pressures in the entertainment industry.
Shocking Early Career Encounter
Robbie, 35, recounted that early in her career, a male actor she worked with presented her with a copy of Why French Women Don't Get Fat, a 2007 publication by Mireille Guiliano. She described the book as essentially instructing readers to consume fewer calories, which she found deeply offensive and inappropriate.
"Very, very early in my career, an actor I worked with, a male actor, gave me a book called 'Why French Women Don't Get Fat,' and it was essentially a book telling you to eat less," Robbie stated. She expressed her immediate reaction, saying, "I was like, 'Whoa, f*** you, dude... He essentially gave me a book to let me know that I should lose weight."
Context and Industry Pressures
This incident underscores the persistent scrutiny female actors face regarding their appearance, even from colleagues. Robbie's candid disclosure comes as she promotes Wuthering Heights, a film adaptation where she stars as Catherine opposite Jacob Elordi's Heathcliff, directed by Emerald Fennell.
Robbie, who also served as a producer on the project, discussed the immense pressure of adapting such a beloved literary classic. "Knowing how much the book means to Emerald was the best place to start," she explained. "Knowing that she was writing it from a place of massive respect and love for the original source material was the most important thing."
Recent Public Appearances and Film Details
Despite this negative experience, Robbie has been captivating audiences with her striking red carpet appearances for the film's promotions. At the London premiere, she wore a sheer, corseted Gothic gown by Dilara Findikoglu, complemented by a replica of Charlotte Brontë's bracelet, woven from the hair of Brontë's sisters, Emily and Anne.
This attention to detail reflects the film's dedication to honouring Brontë's legacy. Robbie initially joined the project solely as a producer but later decided to audition for the role of Catherine. "I wasn't always going to be in it," she admitted. "I was thrilled to be the producer but at some point, we were talking about Cathy, and I decided to throw my hat into the ring. I've always wanted to be one of Emerald's actors and fortunately, she felt the same way. It worked out wonderfully."
Broader Implications and Reactions
Robbie's story has sparked conversations about body shaming and gender dynamics in Hollywood, with many praising her bravery for speaking out. The book in question, marketed as a guide to healthy living rather than a strict diet plan, according to descriptions on platforms like Amazon, adds a layer of irony to the incident.
As Robbie continues to advocate for respectful treatment in the industry, her experience serves as a reminder of the challenges actors, particularly women, navigate behind the scenes. Her resilience and success, evidenced by her acclaimed performance in Wuthering Heights, highlight her ability to overcome such adversities and thrive in her career.
