Charlize Theron reveals why she will not reveal the identity of the director who allegedly sexually harrased her
Actor Charlize Theron has explained why she will not publicly reveal the identity of the director who allegedly sexually harassed her six years ago.
The Mad Max: Fury Road actor recently spoke on the popular podcast, Call Her Daddy. During the conversation, she clarified, “It’s not because I’m protecting him or anything.” Theron simply stated, “I’ve never said his name because, honestly, I don’t want the story to be about him.”
Despite the public not knowing who the alleged culprit is, Theron shared that the director in question was extremely anxious when she went public with her story. After revealing that he was “panicked” and “nervous for a little bit”, she added, “He knew it was about him, and he wrote me a pretend letter trying to explain his behaviour and how I must have misunderstood it, which is classic, isn’t it? It’s so classic.”
She continued passionately, “I won’t even fucking say your name because you know you’re the scumbag. You know it’s you. If anybody ever asked me about him, I would be completely honest — and he knows that. I kind of like that he’s got to be on a hot seat. He doesn’t know when it’s going to come. I kind of like that a little more.”
The incident happened while Theron was in the early days of her career, attempting to get acting gigs to lift her out of her modelling work. One agency sent her on a “casting call” which took place at the director’s house on a Saturday night.
She originally told the story in 2019. During the casting call, the director opened the door in his pajamas and kept trying to “talk” during what she thought was an audition. The director then “put his hand on my knee.” Theron got up and left swiftly, though the trauma and shame would stay with her.
Reflecting on the fateful night, Theron admitted that she was “furious” with herself, adding, ” I couldn’t believe how I had let myself down.” She is sometimes criticised for coming forward so late, but noted, “I beat myself up over that. You can say whatever you want, motherfucker. Trust me, you can’t hurt me more than I hurt myself about what happened that day.”
Theron has been announced for the upcoming Christopher Nolan film The Odyssey, which will hit cinemas on July 16th, 2026.
For help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.
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