Australian actress Margot Robbie has revealed a troubling early career experience involving a controversial gift from a male actor, stirring widespread anger among women online. The disclosure came during a February 9 podcast episode with Charli XCX on Complex’s Goat Talk, as Robbie discussed her upcoming film Wuthering Heights, set to premiere in theaters on February 13.
Margot Robbie Shares Disturbing Incident from Early Acting Career
During the podcast, Margot Robbie recounted receiving a book titled French Women Don’t Get Fat from a male actor early in her Hollywood journey. The gesture was interpreted by many as a veiled message about her weight. Robbie expressed her shock at the gift, saying,
“I was like, ‘F*** you, dude,’”
capturing the frustration felt by many.
The book, authored by Mireille Guiliano and published in 2007, is a lifestyle guide reflecting the eating habits of Parisian women. It encourages portion control, slow eating, home-cooked fresh meals, and daily walking, while discouraging strict dieting and calorie counting. Guiliano, a French-born executive at Champagne house Veuve Clicquot, argues that French women maintain balance by enjoying pastries and chocolate moderately rather than denying themselves completely.
Although the book achieved commercial success, topping The New York Times Best Seller list for nearly a year after its December 2004 release, it has also faced criticism for promoting unrealistic body standards. A sequel titled French Women Don’t Get Facelifts was published in 2013. For Robbie, who was only starting her professional career with Australian television credits at the time, the gift felt anything but supportive.
Fans React Strongly, Highlighting Persistent Pressures on Women in Entertainment
Robbie’s revelation ignited a strong reaction online, with many condemning the male actor’s choice as disrespectful and harmful. The actress described the gift as a clear indication that she was expected to lose weight, saying,
“He essentially gave me a book to let me know that I should lose weight,”
followed by her stunned response: “I was like, ‘Wow.’”
Social media users criticized the episode as emblematic of the ongoing body image pressures faced by women in showbusiness. One comment stated,
“The way some men talk to women under the guise of ‘advice’ is why eating d**orders exist,”
underscoring the damaging psychological effects of such interactions.
Though Robbie did not disclose the identity of the actor, her story resonated widely. One commenter remarked on the absurdity of the criticism Robbie faces, noting,
“Margot Robbie has said that multiple directors in Hollywood have told her she’s too fat and needs to be thinner,”
while another added,
“Let that sink in! Hollywood is so mental they see Margot Robbie as fat! These people are just crazy.”
Other voices in the discussion mocked the notion that French women’s slimness results from lifestyle habits promoted in the book, joking,
“The subtitle of this book should be ‘smoke like a chimney,’”
reflecting skepticism regarding the book’s advice and its implications.
Robbie Prepares for the Release of Wuthering Heights, Her Latest Film Endeavor
At the time she received the controversial gift, Margot Robbie was still establishing herself with early roles in projects like Vigilante and the Australian soap opera Neighbours. Her breakthrough came later in 2013 with The Wolf of Wall Street, where she starred alongside Leonardo DiCaprio as Naomi Lapaglia. Since then, Robbie has built an impressive filmography, including major movies such as Suicide Squad (2016), I, Tonya (2017), Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019), and Babylon (2022).
Beyond her acting career, Robbie co-founded LuckyChap Entertainment, the production company behind acclaimed films like I, Tonya, Promising Young Woman, and the 2023 global hit Barbie. Her latest project, Wuthering Heights, adapts Emily Brontë’s classic 1847 novel. In this film, Robbie stars as Catherine Earnshaw, the central female figure entangled in a tragic and intense relationship with Heathcliff. The film is directed by Emerald Fennell and features an original soundtrack by British pop star Charli XCX.
Public Support Grows for Robbie’s Candid Response
Fans and followers expressed admiration for Robbie’s forthrightness about the troubling gift. Social media users praised her reaction and highlighted the broader issues she raised. One supporter commented simply, “Great response!” while others showed disbelief at the inappropriate nature of the gift from the male actor.
This incident sheds light on the ongoing challenges women encounter in the entertainment industry regarding body image and unsolicited commentary from male colleagues. Margot Robbie’s story has become a rallying point for discussions on respect, professional boundaries, and the psychological impact of such experiences.
As Robbie’s new film arrives in theaters, her openness may inspire more industry conversations about the treatment of women, potentially influencing changes in how aspiring actors are supported early in their careers.
