Oscar-nominated actor Florence Pugh has spoken out against the pervasive body-shaming culture in Hollywood, highlighting the damaging scrutiny faced by women in the entertainment industry. In a recent interview with The Sunday Times, Pugh addressed the “godawful headlines” that have targeted fellow actor Keira Knightley for years, as well as her own experiences with criticism of her appearance.
Reflecting on Knightley’s treatment, Pugh called attention to the relentless media scrutiny the Pirates of the Caribbean and Love Actually star endured as a teenager and young adult. Knightley previously told Elle UK about the harsh commentary she faced, saying: “There was a very long time when [interviewers] were all: ‘Well, you’re a s*** actor and you’re anorexic and people hate you,’ which, for a teenager or somebody in their early twenties, is a very strange thing.”
Pugh, 28, expressed frustration over how women’s bodies often overshadow their talent in public discourse. “Look, not everybody has legs that go on for days,” she said. “I remember watching this industry and feeling I wasn’t represented. I remember godawful headlines about how Keira Knightley isn’t thin anymore or watching women getting torn apart despite being talented and beautiful. The only thing people want to talk about is some useless crap about how they look.”
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Speaking Out Against Unrealistic Standards
Pugh has also faced her share of body-shaming throughout her career. Critics once referred to her “chunky thighs” in the 2019 wrestling comedy-drama Fighting with My Family, and she was the target of backlash for wearing a see-through Valentino dress in 2022. In response to the criticism of the dress, Pugh posted on Instagram: “So many of you wanted to aggressively let me know how disappointed you were by my ‘tiny tits’… Grow up. Respect bodies. Respect all women.”
Despite the negativity, Pugh remains resolute. “I didn’t care to abide by those rules,” she said. “I’ve loved challenging ideas I don’t like. I’m proud I’ve stuck by myself and look the way I look.”
Advocating for Change
Pugh, who describes herself as “a bit too gobby and argumentative” to conform to Hollywood stereotypes, emphasized the importance of speaking up against the pressures women face. “There are fine lines women have to stay within, otherwise they are called a diva, demanding, or problematic,” she said. “It is exhausting for a young woman to be in this industry, and actually other industries. But I’ve always been encouraged to have a voice.”
Acknowledging the larger societal issue of controlling women’s appearances, Pugh added: “It’s about control, isn’t it? It’s still ultimately about suppressing one sex, and we’re dealing with it all the time.”
The actor expressed a desire to pave the way for younger women entering the industry. “I am not going to be able to change the way things are, but I can certainly help young women coming into this industry by making conversations happen where they weren’t before,” she said.
Emotional Depth in Her Craft
In the interview, Pugh also discussed the emotional toll of her work, sharing the extreme measures she took to prepare for her role in the 2019 horror film Midsommar. To embody the grief-stricken character, she would imagine “family members in coffins.”
As an actor who refuses to conform to outdated standards, Pugh’s candid remarks are sparking vital conversations about body positivity, self-acceptance, and the need for systemic change in Hollywood.
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