Natalie Portman Calls for "Revolution of Desire" After Recounting Early Career Sexualization

Actress Natalie Portman delivered a poignant speech at a recent Women's March, shedding light on her personal experiences with objectification and sexualization throughout her career, starting from a young age. Portman recounted disturbing instances, including receiving fan mail containing rape fantasies and a local radio show initiating a countdown to her 18th birthday, euphemistically referring to it as the date she would be "legal to sleep with." During her address, Portman explained how these experiences led her to consciously shape her public persona. "I understood very quickly, even as a 13-year-old, that if I were to express myself sexually, I would feel unsafe," she stated. This realization prompted her to reject roles with even kissing scenes and cultivate an image she described as "prudish, conservative, nerdy, serious." She emphasized this choice in interviews, aiming to convey a message that she was "someone worthy of safety and respect." Portman articulated her vision for a world where women can express their desires and sexuality freely, without fearing for their physical safety or reputation. "A world in which I could wear whatever I want, say whatever I want, and express my desire however I want, without fearing for my physical safety or reputation," she elaborated. She concluded her powerful speech by calling for a "revolution of desire," urging people of all genders to mutually and consensually look out for each other's pleasure and allow for the limitless expression of desire.

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Natalie Portman's Horrifying Fan Mail Story From Age 13 Is Going Viral

"I say this as a man, why are some of us so sick?"