Featured Image Credit: Alamy
Topics: Film and TV
Poppy Bilderbeck
Bridget Jones star Renée Zellweger has revealed what a producer said to her when trying to get her to take off her clothes on set.
The 52-year-old – who has starred in the Bridget Jones films (2001-2016) as well as biopic Judy (2019) and musical Chicago (2002), among others – says the incident occurred early on in her acting career.
However, while since opening up and detailing the experience, Zellweger hasn't identified the producer or which film she was working on at the time.
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Zellweger recalled an instance where a producer crossed the line while on set in a bid to get her to take her clothes off.
Zellweger told Harper's Bazaar: "There have been times I have been in, you know, on set, where a producer’s ready for me to go ahead and take my clothes off. ‘Here, drink this wine, ’cause then you’ll do it.’ And, you know, I’m not gonna take that wine, but I would like a phone. ’Cause I have a phone call I need to make right now.”
Zellweger also revealed that some producers and crew members from 1994 film Reality Bites called her character 'Tami Bimbo' behind her back.
The Oscar-winning actress has been similarly poorly treated by the press, particularly in terms of her appearance.
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Bridget Jones, a rom-com classic, sees Jones star as the girl-next-door, relatable single woman in her 30s.
However, it promotes some damaging ideas around dieting and weight – with Jones portrayed as a larger woman when in the film she's classed as a very average size 12.
Zellweger's role in Bridget Jones in particular has led to her own weight journey being thrust into the spotlight, as if Jones being honest about her body – a fictional character and opening up in such a way within her diary, I might add – means that social media users are somehow allowed to comment on Zellweger's weight.
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After losing the weight she put on for the film, Zellweger was criticised, and she has once again recently come under public scrutiny.
In drama series The Thing About Pam, Zellweger stars as victim Betsy Faria's best friend. Unlike when she gained weight for the role of Jones, the actor wears padding and prosthetics, which she has come under fire for, being branded 'fatphobic'.
Zellweger stated: "I know the results of a ‘Bridget Jones’ experience and this is not a fictional character who’s up to my interpretation and just seeing what happens."
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Despite the negative experience early on in her career with the producer, Zellweger has stressed that she does not feel like a victim.
If you've been affected by any of the issues in this article and would like to speak with someone in confidence, call the BEAT Eating Disorders helpline on 0808 801 0677. Helplines are open 365 days a year from 9am–8pm during the week, and 4pm–8pm on weekends and bank holidays. Alternatively, you can try the one-to-one webchat