Margot Robbie has disclosed an upsetting experience involving a male co-star early in her acting career, revealing that he gave her a book advising her to eat less. The Australian actress, now 35, recounted this incident while promoting her latest film, Wuthering Heights, highlighting how the gesture left her feeling stunned and disrespected.
The Co-Star’s Gift and Margot’s Reaction
Robbie explained that the book in question was Why French Women Don’t Get Fat, written by Mireille Guiliano and published in 2007. Rather than being a straightforward diet guide, the book offers a perspective on healthy living. Despite this, the co-star’s intention seemed offensive to Robbie, implying she should reduce her food intake.
Very, very early in my career, an actor I worked with, a male actor, gave me a book called ‘Why French Women Don’t Get Fat,’ and it was essentially a book telling you to eat less,
Margot Robbie said.
Speaking to Complex with collaborator Charli XCX, Robbie shared her blunt response to the gesture:
And I was like, ‘Whoa, f*** you, dude… He essentially gave me a book to let me know that I should lose weight.
– Margot Robbie
The Book and Its Context
The book Mireille Guiliano authored is described on Amazon not as a conventional diet manual but as an
“inspiring take on health and eating for our times.”
Despite this positive framing, Robbie’s account highlights how the message was received as invasive and inappropriate, shining a light on pressures actors—especially women—face regarding their appearance and eating habits.
Margot’s Recent Spotlight and Film Promotion
Robbie has recently drawn attention for her striking appearances while promoting Wuthering Heights. At the London premiere, she wore a sheer, corseted Gothic gown by Dilara Findikoglu, featuring moss-green seams and a choker, embodying the film’s intense atmosphere.
Additionally, Robbie wore a bracelet replicating one believed to have been woven from the hair of author Charlotte Brontë’s sisters, Emily and Anne. This detail underlines the production’s respect for the classic novel and its creators, an effort that Robbie highly values.
Honoring the Source Material and Cast Reflections
Robbie, who also served as a producer for the film, emphasized the importance of approaching such a treasured literary work with care. She noted the influence of Emerald Fennell, the film’s writer and director, on the adaptation process.
Knowing that she was writing it from a place of massive respect and love for the original source material was the most important thing.
– Margot Robbie
In the film, Robbie stars as Catherine, with fellow Australian Jacob Elordi playing Heathcliff. Both actors acknowledged the responsibility they felt to do justice to the revered story.
Behind the Scenes: Robbie’s Role Decision on the Film
Margot Robbie revealed on the Graham Norton Show that she initially intended to contribute only as a producer rather than an actress. However, as discussions about the character Cathy developed, she chose to pursue the role herself.
I wasn’t always going to be in it,
Robbie admitted.
I was thrilled to be the producer but at some point, we were talking about Cathy, and I decided to throw my hat into the ring. I’ve always wanted to be one of Emerald’s actors and fortunately, she felt the same way. It worked out wonderfully.
– Margot Robbie
The Wider Impact of Robbie’s Story
By offering insight into the pressures of body image within the entertainment industry, Margot Robbie’s revelation sheds light on the often unspoken challenges actors face. Her experience serves as a reminder of the importance of respect and sensitivity regarding personal boundaries, especially in a profession under constant public scrutiny.
As Robbie continues to make her mark as both an actress and producer, this incident highlights ongoing conversations about body positivity and mental health in Hollywood, potentially encouraging more openness around such issues in the future.
