Keira Knightley is not afraid to use her voice by speaking out against harassment that women have to deal with, calling it “depressing”.
And she’s right!
The 36-year-old actress, who famously played the role of Elizabeth Swann in The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, says that “literally” everyone has dealt with some form of misogyny in public. She also admitted that, just like many other women, she has to take precautions when she walks home alone in case she receives negative attention.
What’s even more depressing, is that she said she doesn’t know anyone who hasn’t in some way. She described that harassment could come in the form of being flashed at, groped, or someone saying they’re going to slit your throat or physically hurt you.
The star of Bend It Like Beckam said,
“It was when women started listing all the precautions they take when they walk home to make sure they’re safe, and I thought ‘I do every single one of them, and I don’t even think about it’”.
Knightley, a mother of two children, has recently pulled out of her role in a period drama called The Essex Serpent due to reported child care concerns during the pandemic. Nevertheless, she tries to keep her family in high spirits despite what’s going on in the world right now. So life goes on. She puts on her red lipstick every day and a bit of Chanel makeup. Her daughter, Edie, had Chanel ribbons plaited into her hair and fairy wings.
“I thought ‘What is the point of these lovely things sitting in the wardrobe, when it feels quite apocalyptic and scary outside?’ she said. “It felt so important to be really happy for the kids!”
She’s right about this, too!
*Cover image via Michael Buckner