Winona Ryder Opens Up About Being ‘Blatantly’ Sexually Harassed In Her 20s And 30s, “You’re Negotiating, You’re Thinking About What’s Going To Happen If You…”
In a world where Hollywood glamor often masks darker realities, Winona Ryder is pulling back the curtain.
Winona Ryder recently opened up about sexual harassment. (Photo Credit – Instagram)
Advertisement
During an Esquire interview, Ryder bravely opened up about her painful experiences with sexual harassment throughout her career, shedding light on the untold struggles behind her public persona.
Ryder, now 52, revealed she faced “blatant” harassment in her late 20s and 30s, though she emphasized it wasn’t physical assault. “It was incredibly inappropriate. It was wild,” she said, reflecting on those distressing encounters. Her candor underscores a harsh truth: the industry’s dark side is not always visible but profoundly felt.
The Beetlejuice star noted that her relative fame helped shield her from more frequent harassment, a stark contrast to the plight of struggling actors. “You’re negotiating, you’re thinking about what’s going to happen if you say something,” Ryder explained. The experience was “really understanding” in a way that made her empathize deeply with other victims, yet she remained fortunate to avoid constant harassment.
Ryder’s discomfort with unwanted advances, especially physical ones, was palpable. “If someone was being inappropriate or drunkenly hitting on me it was like, ‘Ha ha’!” she recounted, but touching crossed a line. This unsettling blend of fame and vulnerability has shaped her view on personal interactions and professional boundaries.
Dating wasn’t any easier. Ryder shared a crushing moment when she overheard a man discussing his intention to “score” with her at a bar. “I was so crushed,” she confessed, revealing her struggles with genuine connections versus those driven by celebrity status.
A significant part of her story involves her experiences with Harvey Weinstein’s former company, Miramax. Ryder recounted an incident where a seemingly innocent handshake at a meeting with Weinstein led to a dramatic backlash from her agent. “I offended him because I extended my hand?” she questioned, unsure of the exact misstep but feeling the cold shoulder from the notorious producer.
This revelation adds another layer to the complex narrative of Weinstein’s impact on the industry. Convicted of rape and sexual assault, Weinstein’s legal battles continue to unfold, but Ryder’s story provides a personal lens on the broader systemic issues.
Ryder’s willingness to share her story is a powerful reminder of the often-unseen struggles many face. Her journey from a celebrated actress to a vocal advocate for change highlights the ongoing need for transparency and accountability in Hollywood. As she continues to navigate her career with resilience, her story resonates as both a cautionary tale and a beacon of hope for those confronting similar challenges.
