Brooke Shields, a renowned actress admired for her beauty, has recently opened up about some of the harsh criticism she faced throughout her career. Despite her stunning appearance, she has had to endure negative remarks, even from those closest to her.
In particular, Shields has shared painful memories of her relationship with her mother, Teri, who also served as her manager from a young age. Shields recalls how her mother would get drunk and make hurtful comments, such as, “Why don’t you move your fat ass?” These experiences left Shields with a distorted self-image, believing she had a “big ass” and struggling with body image issues. Her mother, who passed away in 2012 after battling alcoholism, left a lasting impact on Shields, requiring years to heal from the emotional damage.
Shields found support and affirmation from her husband, Chris Henchy, a playwright with whom she has been married for 17 years. Henchy encouraged her to embrace her natural beauty and appreciate her body. Shields recalls moments when Henchy would reassure her, saying, “No, I want to grab onto you,” helping her to feel confident and celebrated for her femininity.
Before Henchy, Shields was married to Andre Agassi from 1997 to 1999. Her career took off when she was a teenager, particularly after her iconic Calvin Klein jeans ad in 1980, shot by Richard Avedon. Despite her public image as a beauty icon, Shields often felt inadequate. She was labeled as “athletic,” “not rail-thin,” and “not a runway model,” which affected her self-esteem. Even at the height of her career, she didn’t consider herself to have a “swimsuit body.”
A few years ago, Shields did another swimwear campaign with Calvin Klein. Determined to look her best, she worked hard, cutting out alcohol and exercising regularly. She described the experience as making her feel like her “best self,” though she also admitted to feeling hungry during that time.
It’s striking that someone as beautiful as Brooke Shields could feel insecure, largely due to the harsh words and unrealistic standards set by others. Her mother’s criticism and societal expectations contributed to her struggles with self-image. However, her husband’s support helped her embrace her body and recognize her beauty.
In addition to discussing her body image struggles, Shields recently revealed that she was sexually assaulted by a Hollywood executive over 30 years ago, shortly after graduating from Princeton University. At the time, she blamed herself for the incident, but over the years, she has come to terms with what happened. She expressed her anger at the time, saying, “I’m more enraged now than I was then.” Shields acknowledges that these experiences can be terrifying, even without physical violence.
Shields kept the assault a secret, only confiding in her close friend and former security consultant, Gavin de Becker. Now, she feels ready to share her story publicly, hoping to help others who have experienced similar trauma feel less alone. She emphasized the importance of allowing individuals to process their trauma on their own terms and advocating for women’s rights to speak out.
Brooke Shields has faced many challenges throughout her life, yet she continues to thrive in her career. Sharing her story offers valuable insights into the resilience and strength required to overcome personal and professional obstacles. Let’s support Shields by sharing her story with friends and family, celebrating her courage and continued success. We wish her all the best in her ongoing journey.
