Actresses cry harassment for publicity, says Brigitte Bardot
MOST actresses who complain of sexual harassment are hypocrites seeking publicity, Brigitte Bardot, the French film legend, has claimed, sparking disapproval from feminists.
A string of Hollywood stars have backed the #Metoo and Time’s Up campaigns against sexual harassment in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein scandal. But the outspoken 83-yearold, who became an overnight sex symbol with And God Created Woman in 1956, told Paris Match magazine: “The vast majority are hypocritical and ridiculous, without interest. Lots of actresses come on to producers to bag a role. And then, so people will talk about them, they say they were harassed.”
She added: “I was never the victim of sexual harassment. And I thought it was nice to be told that I was beautiful or that I had a nice little ass. This kind of compliment is nice.”
Caroline de Haas, a high-profile French feminist, called the comments “the biggest piece of utter nonsense”.
The remarks came after Catherine Deneuve, 74, a fellow Gallic film star, prompted outrage by defending men’s right to “hit on” women, then went on to apologise to victims of sex assault.