Lena Headey unleashes scathing attack on Hollywood's 'weird protection' of predatory men, blasting the industry for giving free rein to those who abuse their power. The actress, known for her fierce portrayal of Cersei Lannister in Game of Thrones, has long been an outspoken advocate for women's rights and is now using her platform to highlight the dark underbelly of Tinseltown.
As her new BBC radio drama 'Intimacy' gears up for release – a gripping exposé of the industry's toxic culture that draws heavily from Headey's own experiences – she pours out her heart about the harrowing moments she's witnessed and endured. From navigating nudity on screen to confronting predatory individuals, Headey's words are laced with anger and frustration at the 'disproportionate power' held by some men, which all too often takes precedence over the vulnerability of actresses desperate for work.
It's a powerful rebuke from an actress who has walked the tightrope between Hollywood glamour and harsh realities. Headey has been open about her own struggles with Harvey Weinstein, detailing how he harassed her at the Venice Film Festival in 2005 and later tried to force his way into her hotel room in Los Angeles – incidents that came to light during the #MeToo movement of 2017.
For years, young actresses have been fed a poisonous brew of 'rite of passage' expectations – being sexualised as a necessary step towards stardom. Headey admits she once swallowed this toxic pill, thinking it was just part of the job. But now, with hindsight, she sees it for what it is: a damaging and exploitative practice that leaves women feeling vulnerable and broken.
When she landed her iconic role in Game of Thrones, Headey had already learned to stand up for herself – a skill that served her well during the show's notorious 'walk of shame' scene. Her decision to use a body double sparked controversy among fans, but Headey makes it clear: by taking control of the physical demands of the scene, she was able to focus on the emotional depths required to bring Cersei to life.