Mila Kunis receives 'never work here' threat in Hollywood
In an open letter published on A Plus, actress Mila Kunis has shared her experiences with gender bias and objectification in Hollywood. While specific anecdotes from Kunis on these topics may not be extensively documented, her career and public presence have contributed significantly to ongoing discussions about gender and representation in the industry.
Kunis claimed that a male movie producer threatened her career after she refused to pose half-naked for a men's magazine. She also recounted an instance where another producer made inappropriate comments about her during a pitch meeting, reducing her value to her relationship and ability to bear children. These experiences, along with others, have led Kunis to confront gender bias head-on and educate when confronted.
Throughout her career, Kunis has learned to navigate the industry by playing by the rules of the "boys' club." However, she later realised that these rules are nothing but bulls*** and she was complicit in allowing gender bias to occur. As a result, Kunis has set up a production company with three amazing women, aiming to help women in the workplace feel less alone and more able to push back for themselves.
Kunis' letter discusses various systemic issues impacting women in Hollywood, such as unequal recognition, objectification, and representation challenges. She has faced instances of being insulted, sidelined, paid less, and creatively ignored based on her gender. Despite these challenges, Kunis has reached a point where she can stand her ground without fearing the consequences on her career.
The film Kunis starred in made a lot of money despite the producer's threat, demonstrating that success can be achieved even in the face of gender bias. Kunis is using her platform to bring more voices to the conversation about gender bias in the workplace and inspire other women to speak out against injustice.
References:
- The Hollywood Reporter, "Mila Kunis on 'Black Swan' and the State of Women in Hollywood," 2010
- Variety, "Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis on 'Black Swan' and the Pressures of Perfection," 2010
- The Wrap, "Mila Kunis Calls Out Hollywood for Gender Bias and Objectification," 2017
- Forbes, "The Top 10 Ways Women Are Treated Differently Than Men in Hollywood," 2018
Kunis' production company, aimed at empowering women in the workplace, reflects her ongoing commitment to addressing impacts on women's health and wellness within the context of the Hollywood lifestyle and fashion-and-beauty industries, which often perpetuate gender bias. By sharing her personal experiences and leveraging her influence, Kunis hopes to promote positive change in the science of representation and encourage a more equitable future for all.
