Jane Fonda, the famous actress and daughter of Hollywood legend Henry Fonda, recently opened up about a very painful past, which she thought was her fault. While discussing feminism and her role as an activist during an interview with actress Brie Larson, the fitness guru revealed that she had once been raped, sexually abused as a child, and fired for refusing to sleep with her boss, all the while believing it was her own fault. The 79-year-old “Monster-in-Law” star said it took her 60 years to learn how to say no. Fonda told Larson she didn’t know how to stand up for herself but now she can tell someone to leave if she doesn’t like how they’re treating her.
An active supporter of the V-Day movement, an organization working to stop violence against girls and women, Fonda said it was her difficult past which led to her becoming an activist for women’s rights. Fonda wants to help abuse victims realize that rape is not their fault. In an effort to help prevent teenage pregnancy, the actress established the Jane Fonda Center for Adolescent Reproductive Health in 2001.
Opening personal wounds in order to heal others
During an episode of “Oprah’s Master Class,” the actress opened up about her late mother who had also been sexually abused and committed suicide when Jane was just 12-years-old. In her interview with Brie Larson, Fonda expressed regret over not being a better parent for her children.
The former girlfriend of business mogul Ted Turner admitted to not knowing how to do it, but she is trying to make up for what she didn’t know before.
Two women who have more than acting in common
To commemorate International Women’s Day, Brie Larson and Jane Fonda candidly discussed feminism in Hollywood. Larson stated that she learned how to say no to projects so that she could focus on work she’s truly passionate about. The “Room” star said she has learned the only power she has in her career is the word ‘no.’ International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8th each year. This year’s theme is Be Bold for Change.
