Keira Knightley Reflects on Early Fame and Its Personal Costs

The actress opens up about the challenges of teenage stardom, including harassment, loss of privacy, and a toxic industry culture.

Keira Knightley, who rose to fame with roles in 'Pirates of the Caribbean' and 'Love Actually' at 18, describes the intense personal toll of early success.
Knightley shared that she was stalked by men and subjected to gaslighting, with some claiming she 'wanted' the harassment she faced as a young star.
She described Hollywood in the early 2000s as a 'violent, misogynistic atmosphere,' which left her feeling unsafe and scrutinized during her formative years.
While acknowledging the financial stability and career opportunities her early fame provided, Knightley said it came at a significant emotional cost.
The actress noted that social media has exacerbated the pressures on young women today, likening fame to public shaming that many struggle to survive.