The tumultuous relationship between Tippi Hedren and Alfred Hitchcock has come to light, with the iconic actress sharing details of what she describes as a distressing and potentially abusive experience with the renowned director.

In her latest memoir titled Tippi, Hedren delves into the challenging and unsettling incidents she faced while working with Hitchcock.

She discloses disturbing accounts of alleged s**ual harassment during the filming of both The Birds and Marnie, as well as the harsh and inhumane conditions imposed by Hitchcock himself during the shooting of a pivotal scene in the 1963 horror-thriller.

Describing the lead-up to the infamous ‘bedroom scene,’ Hedren recounts how Hitchcock had assured her that mechanical birds would be used for the sequence.

However, on the day of filming, she was informed that the mechanical birds were malfunctioning and that live birds would have to be used instead.

For five grueling days, Hedren endured the ordeal of having birds thrown at her by handlers, including ravens, doves, and pigeons.

The actress recalls the experience as “brutal, ugly, and unrelenting,” with only Cary Grant, a favored actor of Hitchcock, acknowledging her courage during breaks in filming.

During the climactic day of shooting, live birds were affixed to Hedren’s costume as she lay on the ground.

As the cameras rolled, the birds began pecking at her, and additional live birds were launched at her by the handlers.

Following an incident where a bird tied to her shoulder inflicted a close call near her eye, Hedren reached her breaking point and tearfully declared to Hitchcock that she could not continue.

She was left alone on the set in a state of emotional and physical exhaustion, prompting a doctor to intervene and prescribe a week of rest, despite Hitchcock’s initial reluctance.

After advocating for Hedren’s well-being, the doctor managed to persuade Hitchcock to grant her the necessary break.

Upon her return to the set, Hedren completed the filming of the scene, marking the end of a harrowing chapter in her career.

Despite the challenging circumstances, Hedren reflects on the aftermath of The Birds’ release in 1963 as a period of excitement and recognition.

She acknowledges the accolades and media frenzy surrounding the film as a testament to her dedication and resilience in the face of adversity.

Hedren’s memoir, Tippi, provides a candid insight into her experiences with Hitchcock and the film industry, shedding light on a tumultuous chapter in Hollywood history.

The book offers readers a compelling narrative of survival, determination, and the enduring impact of one woman’s journey in the world of cinema.