Australian actress Margot Robbie recently spoke about a surprising gift she received from a fellow actor early in her career that left her both angry and upset. The incident occurred years ago but resurfaced during a candid interview with musician Charli XCX, where Robbie shared that the gift was a book implying she should change her eating habits. This revelation sheds light on the pressures that female actors can face in the entertainment industry.
The Troubling Present Margot Robbie Received from a Male Colleague
During her discussion with Charli XCX for Complex, Robbie described the gift as a book titled French Women Don’t Get Fat, which essentially advised her to eat less. The 35-year-old actress recalled the moment with frustration, noting,
“Very, very early in my career, an actor I worked with, a male actor gave me a book called French Women Don’t Get Fat, and it was essentially a book telling you to eat less.”
She went on to express her strong feelings at the time:
And I was like, f— you, dude.
Robbie mentioned this happened “really back in the day” and added that she has no idea what became of the actor since then. The gift served as a blunt message about how the actor believed she should lose weight, to which Robbie reacted with disbelief. She explained further with a laugh:
He essentially gave me a book to let me know that I should lose weight. I was like, ‘Wow’.
Charli XCX Shares Her Own Experience with an Unusual Present
The conversation turned to Charli XCX’s strange gift stories as well, when she revealed the most unsettling present she ever received was a small jar containing the ashes of one of her fan’s mothers. The jar was fashioned into a necklace, which Charli admitted left her uncertain about how to handle it. She recounted:
It was a jar on a necklace. and admitted she did not know what to do with it, adding ‘I just didn’t quite know what to do with it … I don’t know where it is now.
Context of the Interview and Upcoming Projects
This revealing and informal interview between Margot Robbie and Charli XCX took place ahead of Robbie’s new film, Wuthering Heights, which is scheduled for release on February 13. The openness with which Robbie discussed the uncomfortable gift highlights ongoing challenges women face regarding body image and expectations in show business. It also illustrates a rare glimpse into personal moments behind the glamour.
Industry Pressures Highlighted—What This Means for Actors
Margot Robbie’s revelation about the “Margot Robbie strange gift” is a potent reminder of the persistent scrutiny those in the public eye endure, especially early in their careers. Such experiences can contribute to ongoing frustration and anxiety around body standards in Hollywood. By sharing her story, Robbie not only exposes the unsettling attitudes that have persisted but also encourages more conversations about respect and personal boundaries in the industry.
