Margot Robbie revealed in a recent interview that she was given a highly inappropriate gift by a male colleague years ago, describing it as the worst present she has ever received. The actress shared the story while speaking with Charli XCX for Complex, highlighting the discomfort caused by the gift in the early stages of her career. This unsettling incident centers around the gift of a book tied closely to body image, bringing attention to workplace challenges faced by women in entertainment.
The Unwanted Book and Immediate Response
Robbie explained that a male actor gave her a copy of the 2004 book Why French Women Don’t Get Fat by Mireille Guiliano. The gift was essentially a message implying that she should lose weight. Reflecting on the moment, Robbie said,
“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,”
adding that her reaction was swift and blunt:
“I was like, ‘Whoa, f— you, dude.’”
Though she did not name the actor, Robbie emphasized that the incident happened “really back in the day” and expressed no idea about the individual’s current whereabouts. The musician Brat also interjected humorously, addressing the unnamed actor with,
“Your career’s over, babe.”
Charli XCX Shares an Unusual Gift Experience
In the same interview, Charli XCX recounted her own unusual experience with a disturbing gift, contrasting with Robbie’s story. The singer revealed that a fan once gave her a small jar containing the ashes of the fan’s mother. Charli expressed her confusion over receiving such a personal and somber keepsake, stating,
“I received once a small jar of one of my fan’s mother’s ashes,”
and added,
“It was a jar on a necklace. I just didn’t quite know what to do with it… I don’t know where it is now.”
Impact on Awareness of Uncomfortable Gifts in the Entertainment Industry
This candid conversation between Margot Robbie and Charli XCX sheds light on the discomfort and awkwardness that artists sometimes endure behind the scenes, especially early in their careers. Robbie’s story highlights the issue of body shaming and unprofessional behavior in the entertainment industry, reminding audiences of the pressures female actors often face. Her openness also serves as a testament to the importance of standing up against such disrespect.
Looking forward, public figures discussing their experiences with offensive or inappropriate gifts may encourage others to speak out against similar treatment, fostering a safer and more respectful professional environment. Margot Robbie’s willingness to share her story can be seen as a step toward increasing awareness about the challenges women encounter and the necessity for change within the industry.
