Cameron Diaz gets candid about 'inappropriate' on-set behavior and industry's evolution during her hiatus

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: For a decade, Cameron Diaz was one of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood—then she disappeared.

Now, with her highly anticipated return in Netflix’s 'Back In Action', the 52-year-old actress opened up about her return to movie sets after a decade away, noting how much the industry has changed—especially in the wake of the "MeToo" movement.

Speaking on the 'Skip Intro' podcast, she reflected on past workplace dynamics, recalling the "inappropriate" behavior that was once commonplace but is now being addressed.

Cameron Diaz reflects on Hollywood’s past

In a revealing conversation on the 'Skip Intro' podcast, Cameron Diaz admitted, "The industry is so different. I mean, I definitely have to say that MeToo changed everything. You walk on to the set and it is different."

The actress, known for her roles in 'The Holiday' and 'Charlie’s Angels', didn’t mince words about the inappropriate behavior she once had to endure while filming.

"There was always just like that one guy, you know, on set, that you were like, 'God, here he comes again'. There were always layers and layers of inappropriateness that you just kind of had to put up with," she revealed.

But things have changed since she last stepped in front of the camera. Now, sets have HR-provided hotlines and mandatory discussions about appropriate behavior—something Diaz never experienced in her earlier career.

Diaz stated, "I was like, 'Wow, that's amazing'. The level of security and safety you feel as a woman now on set is great. I had never felt that before this film."

Cameron Diaz returns to Hollywood as she 'couldn’t say no to Jamie Foxx'

If Cameron Diaz had no plans of returning to acting, what changed was one name: Jamie Foxx, as per Daily Mail. 

Diaz and Foxx first worked together in 'Any Given Sunday' and later in 'Annie', forming a friendship that ultimately pulled her back to the big screen.

"I thought that if I was going to come back and do a movie, the only person I’d come back and do it with would be this guy (Foxx)," she said

She revealed to Empire that she had turned down multiple opportunities before but couldn’t say no when Foxx called.

She admitted and said, "Seriously. I had other opportunities along the way and I was always saying 'No. I’m not doing it, I’ve told you... What? Jamie asked? Jamie? Oh, I can do a movie with Jamie!'"

Foxx, 57, also saw 'Back In Action' as a comeback moment after his health scare in 2023.

The action-comedy, directed by Seth Gordon, follows two ex-CIA agents forced back into their old lives when their identities are exposed.

Alongside Diaz and Foxx, the film boasts a powerhouse cast, including Glenn Close.

The reality of Cameron Diaz's Hollywood return

While the film itself sounds like a thrilling reunion, the production was not without its hiccups. Reports surfaced that Jamie Foxx had a "meltdown" on set in the UK, leading to multiple firings.

Though Diaz remained professional, a source told Daily Mail that this was a reminder of why she left Hollywood in the first place.

"She hates drama and confrontation. This is why she retired from the business in the first place," the source revealed.

Even though Diaz loved working with Foxx, she reportedly struggled with the long filming hours, especially being away from her daughter, Raddix, whom she shares with husband Benji Madden.

"These back-to-back 10-hour workdays have been a lot on her, and she hates being away from Raddix," the source added.

"Cameron loves being a mom more than anything in the world," they continued.

With 'Back In Action' officially out on Netflix as of January 17, fans are thrilled to see Diaz back in action—literally. But if reports are true, this might be her final curtain call.

"She has already proven herself in the industry and has nothing left to prove to anyone," the insider said.