Kate Beckinsale, celebrated for her roles in films like Underworld, has taken a bold step to share her personal experiences from movie sets, shedding light on the darker side of Hollywood. Her remarks follow Blake Lively’s recent legal action against It Ends With Us director and co-star Justin Baldoni, and Beckinsale has expressed gratitude for Lively’s courage in addressing systemic issues in the industry.
“This is not an archaic problem no one is facing. This is continuing,” Beckinsale emphasized in a heartfelt Instagram video.
Speaking Up Amidst Backlashes
In her candid statement, Beckinsale shared several incidents that paint a troubling picture of life behind the scenes. One particularly harrowing account involved a male co-star who frequently arrived on set intoxicated. His unprofessional behavior led to significant delays, impacting not only production schedules but also Beckinsale’s personal life.
“He was drunk every day,” she recounted. “The crew and I would wait for six hours while he struggled to learn his lines. The studio’s response? They gave me a bike to ride around the lot while waiting.”
This “solution” only highlighted the systemic disregard for the burden placed on her. Beckinsale revealed that her attempts to address the issue were met with hostility, as she was labeled derogatory terms and demeaned during takes.
Physical and Emotional Toll
The pressures of Hollywood extend far beyond the mental, as Beckinsale detailed the physical sacrifices demanded by the industry. In one instance, she was subjected to an extreme diet and exercise regimen that led to severe health repercussions, including the loss of her menstrual cycle—twice.
“This was not about health or performance; it was about control,” she said.
Her stories didn’t stop there. During a fight scene with another actor, she was physically harmed to the extent that medical imaging confirmed her injuries. Despite this, she was gaslit by those in power.
“There’s a certain kind of actor who gets a thrill out of legally being able to harm a woman during a fight sequence,” she revealed. After speaking up, she faced further ostracization, excluded from cast dinners and dismissed as the source of the problem.
A Culture of Silence and Denial
One of the most chilling aspects of Beckinsale’s accounts was the pervasive culture of denial and silence. She shared an incident from her early career, when she was assaulted by someone on set. Her attempts to seek support from trusted colleagues were met with disbelief.
“I went to the lead actress, known for championing women, and told her what happened. She said, ‘No, it didn’t.’ Another actress responded the same way.”
This culture, Beckinsale emphasized, leaves victims feeling isolated and silenced. Speaking out, she said, often triggers a “machine” designed to discredit and destroy those who dare to challenge the status quo.
Hollywood’s Structural Issues
Beckinsale’s video also addressed the systemic issues within the film industry, where power dynamics and a lack of accountability allow harmful behaviors to persist. Her experiences echo the sentiments of many women in Hollywood who have come forward in recent years, calling for an overhaul of the industry’s entrenched practices.
“This has been going on forever,” Beckinsale stated. “If you mention it, you’re f ked. You’re expected to absorb it and somehow still be the ‘homie.’ That has to stop.”
She applauded Blake Lively for using her platform to bring these issues to light, emphasizing the importance of solidarity among women in the industry.
