Keira Knightley has reflected on the overwhelming public attention she endured regarding her appearance and weight during the peak of her career. In an interview with The Times published on Nov. 23, the actress described how relentless rumors about her having an eating disorder caused emotional distress.
She clarified that she never struggled with such issues, explaining that she has mentally blocked much of that period in her life. “In a classic trauma response, I don’t remember much of it,” she shared, adding that certain memories resurface through intense physical reactions.
Knightley shares how public shaming shaped her outlook on the industry
She likened the experience to public shaming, noting that its impact was heightened by how young she was at the time. “It’s a part of my psyche now, shaped by those years,” Knightley admitted.
One particularly vivid memory she recounted involved the media frenzy surrounding Mary-Kate Olsen’s admission to a clinic for an eating disorder. Rather than receiving empathy, Olsen was subjected to ridicule in the press.
Knightley recalled being asked about it during a press tour, treating the situation as if it were a joke. She expressed shock at the lack of sensitivity, saying, “She was shamed for seeking help, and it was treated like entertainment.”
The media coverage struck Knightley as absurd and deeply troubling. She remembered feeling emotional and frustrated over how such a serious issue was handled. “Even now, I find it unbearable,” she said.
Back in 2018, Knightley revealed on The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast that she suffered a breakdown at 22, driven by fame and intense media scrutiny. Therapy became essential during this period, with her therapist observing, “You’re the first person I’ve seen where this is actually happening to you!”
