Overview

• Witherspoon, 49, told The Interview podcast on September 20 that leaving a past abusive relationship required her to “reconstitute” herself and “rewire” her brain.
• She described long-lasting insecurity after the breakup and said her self-esteem had been damaged by believing hurtful things the partner said about her.
• The actor did not identify the former partner, reiterating a stance she has maintained since first discussing the abuse in 2018.
• She said living as a public figure made recovery harder, citing invasive photography around her children and the strain of trying to preserve privacy.
• Witherspoon also reflected on becoming a young parent, noting that family responsibilities shaped her early career choices and limited certain roles.