Anna Faris Reveals Her Own Story Of Sexual Harassment

Actor Anna Faris revealed on her podcast “Unqualified” Tuesday that she has been the victim of a sexual harassment incident on set.

“I was doing a scene where I was on a ladder and I was supposed to be taking books off a shelf and [the director] slapped my ass in front of the crew so hard,” said Faris. “And all I could do was giggle.”

Faris said the incident made her feel embarrassed.

“I remember looking around and I remember seeing the crew members being like, ‘Wait, what are you going to do about that? That seemed weird.’ And that’s how I dismissed it,” said Faris. “I was like, ‘Well, this isn’t a thing. Like, it’s not that big of a deal. Buck up, Faris. Like, just giggle.’ But it made me feel small. He wouldn’t have done that to the lead male.”

Faris’ allegation adds to a cacophony of women speaking out against sexual harassment.

Recent investigations by the New York Times and the New Yorker revealed decades of allegations of sexual assault and abuse by Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein. The allegations of dozens of women against Weinstein included famous actors such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Ashley Judd and Angelina Jolie.

The women coming forward about Weinstein encouraged actors and other women to share their experiences of sexual harassment or assault. The stories culminated in a social media movement where women would tell their stories and write #metoo.

“I remember that same director telling my agent, who told me, that I had great legs and that was one of the reasons that I got hired,” said Faris. “And listen, that’s a f---ing great compliment. I like my legs. But that sort of informed my whole experience with that whole project. I don’t think the male lead got hired because he had great legs. Therefore I felt like I’m hired because of these elements — not because of [talent].”

Numerous allegations have come out against director James Toback, as well, but the allegations are not limited to Hollywood.

The New York Times revealed Saturday that former Fox News host Bill O’Reilly paid $32 million in a sexual harassment settlement before the channel renewed his contract. O’Reilly was eventually fired because of allegations of sexual misconduct. Amazon Studios executive Roy Price resigned last week amid accusations of sexual harassment. Famed New Orleans chef John Besh stepped down from his company Monday after an investigation by the New Orleans Times-Picayune into his history of alleged sexual misconduct.

“We’re conditioned to giggle,” said Faris. “But also, if we were to do anything else, we’d be labeled a b---- or difficult. That would be the best of circumstances. I guess what I do is I laugh. It puts everyone at ease. That’s the defense mode you go into.”