Sharon Stone, widely known for her fearless attitude, has bared it all in a sneak peek of her upcoming memoir, The Beauty of Living Twice, which she shared with Vanity Fair.
The renowned actress delves into the pivotal role that propelled her to stardom and recounts several distressing #MeToo encounters she has faced as a woman navigating the tumultuous terrain of Hollywood.
In a particularly disturbing anecdote, Stone discloses an unsettling incident where an unnamed producer summoned her to his office and brazenly suggested that she engage in a s**ual relationship with a male costar to enhance their onscreen chemistry.
Recalling the producer’s audacious proposal, Stone reflects on his reference to his past encounter with Ava Gardner, which left her feeling repulsed by the mere thought of such a scenario.
Dismissing the producer’s imprudent suggestion, Stone candidly expresses her disbelief at the notion that engaging in a physical relationship would miraculously transform her costar into a proficient actor.
She firmly asserts that proficiency in bed does not equate to talent on screen, advocating instead for the employment of a skilled costar capable of delivering lines effectively.
Unwilling to compromise her professional integrity, Stone firmly rebuffed the proposal, leading to her unjust labeling as “difficult” within the industry.
Moreover, Stone recounts a disheartening experience with a director she cryptically refers to as a “#MeToo candidate,” who allegedly demanded inappropriate physical contact as a prerequisite for her performance.
Despite Stone’s resistance to complying with the director’s unwarranted advances, the studio purportedly turned a blind eye to her grievances, underscoring the pervasive culture of exploitation and misconduct in the entertainment realm.
Reflecting on her groundbreaking role in the iconic film Basic Instinct, Stone divulges the arduous journey she undertook to secure the part, emphasizing the persistent efforts exerted by her manager to secure her a screen test.
Overcoming obstacles posed by co-stars hesitant to collaborate, Stone persevered in her pursuit of the role, ultimately earning recognition for her remarkable portrayal of Catherine Tramell.
Notably, Stone sheds light on the controversial scene in Basic Instinct where her character provocatively uncrosses her legs, revealing a lack of undergarments.
Describing the discomfort she experienced upon viewing the scene in a room filled with unrelated individuals, Stone recounts her defiance against the invasive request to remove her underwear and her subsequent contemplation of legal action to prevent the scene’s inclusion in the film.
Despite facing coercion and resistance from the director, Stone ultimately made a conscious decision to retain the scene, citing its artistic relevance and alignment with her character’s persona.
Her unwavering resolve to uphold her artistic vision amidst external pressures underscores her tenacity and autonomy as a performer navigating a complex and often exploitative industry.
Sharon Stone’s forthcoming memoir, slated for release on March 30 by publisher Knopf, promises a candid and revealing account of her triumphs and tribulations in an industry plagued by systemic imbalances and gender biases.
Through her unapologetic narrative, Stone challenges prevailing norms and advocates for greater accountability and respect within the realm of entertainment.
