Movies

Charlize Theron reveals why she won’t name ‘scumbag’ director who sexually harassed her

BBG News

Charlize Theron remains resolute in her choice not to reveal the particular Hollywood director whom she alleges of engaging in sexual misconduct.

Over a span of six years since publicly disclosing that she was invited to visit a director’s residence late at night for her very first audition, the actress, now 49, shared the reason behind not disclosing his identity during her recent interview on Wednesday’s Call Her Daddy podcast episode.

During that period, she claimed on The Howard Stern Show that the male director welcomed her at his door in pajamas, and at some stage, he placed his hand on her knee.

In my earlier professional journey, a situation arose that left me questioning – “This feels off,” I can’t help but remember. Yet, there was another voice within me whispering, “Perhaps this isn’t so wrong after all.

During their conversation about the 1994 event, the award-winning actress mentioned that the director himself contacted her directly.

She mentioned that he became somewhat anxious for a brief moment. To clarify, I’ve never revealed his name in this narrative as it’s not meant to focus on him. It’s not about shielding him, but his temporary anxiety is worth noting.

When asked why the director appeared uncomfortable with her sharing her story, Theron explained: ‘It’s because he listened to my account, and realized it involved him. Later, he wrote me a supposed letter trying to justify his actions and suggesting that I may have misinterpreted them. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?’

She believes her interview with Stern caused the unnamed director to start ‘panicking.’

She shared with the audience that he had been waiting for her. However, she suddenly recognized that she wouldn’t dare mention his name, as he was well aware of being a contemptible individual. It is clear to both of us that it’s him, and if anyone were to inquire about him, I would always be truthful.

1. The mother of two mentioned that she enjoyed watching him in a difficult situation, and added that he was often caught off guard by unexpected events.

2. She commented that she found amusement in observing him under pressure, and stated that he wasn’t always aware when trouble would arise.

3. In her observation, the mother of two expressed delight in witnessing him in a challenging position, and pointed out that he wasn’t always prepared for unforeseen events.

4. The mother of two shared her amusement at observing him in a tough spot, and emphasized that he didn’t always anticipate when things would go awry.

5. She expressed her enjoyment of seeing him in a tricky situation, noting that he wasn’t always ready for the unexpected.

6. The mother of two enjoyed watching him struggle, acknowledging that he was often taken by surprise by unforeseen circumstances.

7. She found humor in observing him in a difficult position, and admitted that he wasn’t always prepared for the unexpected to happen.

‘I kind of like that a little more,’ she teased. 

After the event, Theron admitted to feeling extremely angry with herself and disappointed that she had failed herself.

After the occurrence, Theron acknowledged experiencing intense anger towards herself and feelings of self-disappointment for letting herself down.

‘I was like, “Who the f**k are you? Why the f**k would you allow that? Why?”’ she remembered. 

She went on to explain: ‘I’m still touched by those emotions, as I understand myself so deeply, and it’s painful to hear people, in their seemingly carefree manner, suggest that I should have spoken up earlier about such a significant matter. It’s more than just a lack of belief; it feels like hardened indifference.’

Later, the actress drew an analogy between victims being questioned about their delay in disclosing their experiences and being labeled as “cowardly” or “weak.

In the end, she firmly stated that she doesn’t let others’ opinions sway her, as no one can cause her greater suffering than what she has already endured from the events of that day.

Theron conveyed to Cooper her belief that it’s essential for us to share such experiences, as it helps us realize that others share similar struggles. This comes after Cooper’s recent accusations against her former college soccer coach for sexual harassment, as depicted in her docuseries.

In 2019, Theron told NPR she ‘put a lot of blame on’ herself after that night. 

The first event took place at the director’s residence around 9 PM on a Saturday evening, as reported by Theron.

Upon arrival, the movie director – originally from South Africa – who remained nameless, was clad in silk pajamas and extended to her a beverage, followed by a gentle massage on her knee.

She mentioned that she had apologized for needing to depart, as she was making an exit from the room.

During the drive home, Charlize ‘just kept hitting the steering wheel.’

‘I feel heavily responsible for what happened because I didn’t say the right things, I didn’t stand up for myself by telling him to leave, and I didn’t take action as I wished I would have in similar situations.’

Approximately eight years had passed, and the actress who played Atomic Blonde was presented with an opportunity to rectify the past when the same director proposed another acting job for her.

She decided to see the man once more, as she felt it presented an occasion [for her to discuss matters openly], a time that she hadn’t previously had with him.

Rather than expressing remorse, the director chose to shift the focus away from the discussion, seemingly unwilling to tackle the issue.

In that instant, I realized that he was no stranger to this situation, having navigated it before. Other women had undoubtedly confronted him, yet he seemed unfazed, focusing instead on discussing our shared project.

‘Unfortunately, it was not the moment I so wanted,’ said the Arrested Development actress.

It’s a sad truth about sexual harassment; there’s rarely a point when one might feel like the situation has been turned around, and he’s experiencing the same discomfort.

In a prior interview, Theron had indeed mentioned the director’s name, but the reporter chose not to include it in their article.

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2025-07-03 02:05

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