Meryl Streep recounted the two times she faced “real terror”, saying her experiences with violence changed her permanently.
The Oscar-winning actor spoke of these attacks while at the Committee to Protect Journalists’ 27th annual International Press Freedom Awards in New York this week.
Streep said that in one instance she was the victim and had “played dead” to survive a violent beating from a person she did not name. She said she had also witnessed – and stepped in to stop – an attack on another person, adding that Cher was “there”.
Commenting on the bravery of journalists who face threats while doing their jobs, she said wasn't a naturally brave person, but she had experienced terror.
"I do know something about real terror," she told the audience.
"The two times in my life when I was threatened and dealt with real physical violence I learned something about life that I wouldn't have known otherwise."
"And I was lucky because my instincts served me well."
The 68-year-old recalled that when she was attacked she had an out-of-body experience.
"In one instance, I played dead and waited until the blows stopped. Watching, like people say you do, from about 50ft above, as I was beaten," she said.
"And in the second instance, someone else was being abused and I just went completely nuts and went after this man. Ask Cher, she was there.
"The thug ran away, it was a miracle."
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While The Post actress survived both events, she said she "was changed by these events on a cellular level".
She went on to note that women's vulnerability to violence makes them more able to perceive danger, and therefore more observant, which can be helpful for both investigative journalism and acting.
Streep's revelation serves as a reminder that any woman can be the victim of violence, no matter their background, race, age or socio-economic status. One in three women, worldwide, will experience either sexual or physical violence in their lifetime - usually from an intimate partner, according to the World Health Organisation.
If you or someone you care about has experienced physical or sexual violence, you can contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
Top Comments
I really can't stand her! I always thought she was extremely over-rated, the movie that turned me of her incidentally is the one she got raves for, Kramer vs Kramer. She was a jittery mess in that role. I've seen her in other things, and she is barely passable, so I just don't get the fuss over her.
But the thing that really irritates me is her hypocrisy over Trump (as much as I detest him) and Weinstein. Let us remember that this is the woman who gave child drugger and rapist Roman Polanski a standing ovation! She has also defended Woody Allen. She seems to pick and choose who she defends and who she burns according to what she has gotten out of them.
I can never forgive her for giving a standing ovation to a child rapist, or for insinuating that Dylan Farrow was lying about Woody Allen. The way I see it; you call out ALL. Not just the ones you owe your Oscar to.
A couple of things about violence towards women.
I'm a real supporter of every school student learning self-defense because women in particular are not encouraged to be strong & pro-active in their own defense. One of the things that training gives you is that rehearsal of how to instinctively react if you're unexpectedly attacked - it could save precious time to escape.
I've also wondered how many women became victims due to their ingrained reluctance to not "act like a lady".
Another thought is that anger ( instead of fear ) about being abused is a far more useful emotion.
It's also possible that "role models" such as "Wonder Woman", Arya & Brienne in "Game of Thrones" and the shield maiden Lagertha in "Vikings" are playing an important role in empowering women & girls .