Throughout the late 2000s, Megan Fox made a name for herself as Hollywood’s favorite sex symbol. After starring in Michael Bay’s 2007 blockbuster hit Transformers as Shia LaBeouf’s irresistible love interest and in the 2009 cult horror-comedy Jennifer’s Body as a sexy succubus, audiences praised Fox for one thing–her body.
Fox recently revealed that super-stardom isn’t as glamorous as it seems. While discussing the marketing plan for Jennifer’s Body, which relied on the blatant sexualization and objectification of Fox’s character, she said, “It wasn’t just that movie, it was everyday of my life, all the time, with every project I worked on and every producer I worked with.”
“It preceded a breaking point for me,” Fox lamented. “I think I had a genuine psychological breakdown where I wanted just nothing to do.”
After years of intense sexualization from a young age, the actress had reached her limit. Fox claims she was groomed to be a sex icon. At 15-years-old, director Micheal Bay demanded the young actress strip down to a bikini and dance under a waterfall. A decade ago, Fox attempted to come out with her stories of sexual harassment but was attacked instead of believed and supported.
“I feel like I was sort of out and in front of the #MeToo movement before the #MeToo movement happened, I was speaking out,” Fox said. “And everyone was like, ‘Oh well, fuck you. We don’t care, you deserve it.’”
After the public dismissal of Fox’s allegations against Bay, Fox believes there isn’t room in the feminist movement for her. However, Fox still identifies strongly with feminism and has always held feminist beliefs. “Even though I consider myself a feminist,” Fox stated, “I feel like feminists don’t want me to be a part of their group.”
“What is supporting other females if there is only certain ones of us we support? If I have to be an academic or have to be non-threatening to you in some way? Why can’t I be a part of the group as well?”
Featured Image by Rubén Carballo Troc on Flickr
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