Kate Beckinsale calls out systemic sexism in Hollywood, thanks Blake Lively for highlighting ongoing abuse

blake lively

Kate Beckinsale has opened up about the misogynistic and toxic culture she has faced in Hollywood, sharing shocking personal experiences that shed light on the systemic sexism that still plagues the entertainment industry. In a candid Instagram video, the actress, now 51, recounted her traumatic encounters with on-set abuse, harassment, and dismissal, particularly during her early years in Hollywood. Beckinsale’s revelations came amid the public feud between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, highlighting a wider conversation about the treatment of women in the industry.

Beckinsale began by recalling an incident when she was just 18 years old, describing how she was assaulted on set by a crew member she trusted. "I was 18 and felt up by somebody that I really trusted on a crew," Beckinsale shared. When she sought support from two female colleagues, their responses were deeply disheartening. "I went to the lead actress, who was known for being a supporter of women, and said this is happening and was told, ‘No, it didn’t.’ I went to another actress and said I’d just been assaulted by this man and told, ‘No, you haven’t.’"

In addition to her traumatic assault, Beckinsale revealed how she was pressured into doing a photoshoot just a day after suffering a miscarriage.

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She explained the emotional and physical toll it took on her. "I said, ‘I can’t. I’m bleeding. I don’t want to go and change my clothes in front of people I don’t know and do a photoshoot. I’m bleeding out a miscarriage.’ She was like, ‘You’ll have to, or you’ll be sued.’" Beckinsale’s heartbreaking story underscores the immense pressure women face in Hollywood to prioritize their careers over their personal well-being, even in the wake of traumatic events.

Beckinsale’s video also discussed the toxic work environment that often arises when women speak up about unprofessional or harmful behavior on set. She shared a particularly frustrating experience involving a male co-star who repeatedly showed up to set intoxicated and unprepared. “He was going through something. I have sympathy for that, but I was waiting, as was the crew, for six hours a day for him to learn his lines,” Beckinsale explained. "It means I’m not getting to see my daughter in the evenings the whole movie." Rather than addressing the issue, the studio’s response was dismissive. "The studio’s response was to give me a bike so I could ride around the studio lot while I was waiting. And then, of course, I was called a cunt and a bitch. During a take I was called a ‘stupid bitch.’" Her words highlight the harsh treatment actresses often face when they raise concerns about unprofessional behavior.

In her video, Beckinsale also opened up about the unhealthy standards women are held to when it comes to body image. She explained that on two separate film sets, she was subjected to strict dieting and exercise regimens that caused her to lose her menstrual periods entirely. "I was put on such a strict diet and exercise program — I lost my periods all together," she revealed. Additionally, Beckinsale discussed the abuse she endured during fight sequences, where she was harmed to the point of needing medical attention. "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 said. "And I was harmed, to the point where there were MRIs proving it."

Beckinsale also reflected on how challenging it is for women to be heard when they speak up about such abuse. Drawing a connection to the ongoing drama between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, Beckinsale emphasized how the entertainment industry often punishes those who speak out. "I am grateful to Blake Lively for highlighting this is not an archaic problem no one is facing. This is continuing. When it does happen a machine goes in place to absolutely destroy you," she said. Her comments underscore the difficulties women face when they challenge the status quo or speak out against mistreatment.

Along with the video, Beckinsale shared a powerful Instagram caption where she expanded on the broader issue of abuse in the workplace. She wrote, "Everyone in EVERY industry should be taken seriously and not punished when something egregious happens to them at work." Beckinsale pointed out that while the problem is more visible in Hollywood, it is an issue that affects women in all industries. "I don’t want our younger generation of actresses to be facing all the same things as we all do and did," she added, highlighting how social media amplifies the scrutiny women face when they come forward. "It is very, very, very easy to foment hatred against actresses," she noted.

Beckinsale’s post concluded with a call for change and solidarity in the industry. "Complaining about abuse should not beget more abuse, particularly at work where there should be inviolable safeguarding in place."