Carla Gugino faces backlash for saying she has 'PTSD' from her ideas being dismissed by sexist directors

'Stop throwing around the word': Carla Gugino faces backlash for saying she has a 'little PTSD' from working with sexist directors
Carla Gugino got candid about facing sexism in Hollywood (Leon Bennett/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Carla Gugino recently shared that she suffers from a "little PTSD" due to being at the receiving end of Hollywood's much-talked-about gender prejudices.

The 'Gerald's Game' actress, who started her career as a child artist, got candid about having her ideas brushed off by sexist directors on set during her long Hollywood career while speaking with 'Game of Thrones' star Lena Headey for Interview magazine. 

Carla Gugino attends as GLAAD Celebrates Its Governors Award From The TV Academy With A Pre-Emmys Toast To The Future Of LGBTQ Representation on January 10, 2024 in Bel Air, California. (Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for GLAAD)
Carla Gugino opens up about facing gender discrimination from Hollywood directors (Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for GLAAD)

Carla Gugino says gender discrimination in Hollywood is often ignored

Gugino shared, "I still do have a little PTSD from a career full of instances where you’re acting with a male actor, and you say to the director, 'Hey, what about if we try such and such?' and the male director goes, 'I don’t think so,' and then, two minutes later, your fellow actor, who’s an advocate for you, says the exact same thing, and the director's, 'Great idea,'" as per Huff Post

The 'American Gangsta' actress then compared this behavior of the directors to that of an alcoholic family member, elucidating, "This is when the family has an alcoholic and everybody is just like, 'That person actually has the power.' It’s in that vein. We’re going to pretend this is not crazy behavior."

Gugino noted that in order to get her voice heard, she has learned to "push" herself, elaborating, "I had an instance recently where I needed to assert something important to me and I hesitated because I wondered if it would be perceived as demanding. The difference at this age is that I will just push myself to do it. Ultimately, it was received positively."


 
 
 
 
 
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Subsequently, Headey went on to share her own experiences. The 'Beacon 23' actress recalled she used to face the same thing until she had an epiphanic conversation with Italian actress Monica Bellucci.

Headey noted, "She said, 'Look, just f**king ask for what you want. They’re going to call you a b***h regardless because you’re a woman.' I thought that’s also true. There are still the residing boys club, always will be."

Lena Kathren Headey is a British actress. She gained international recognition and acclaim for her portrayal of Cersei Lannister on the HBO epic fantasy drama series Game of Thrones
Lena Headey echoed Carla Gugino's thoughts regarding toxic experiences (Getty Images)

Internet slams Carla Gugino for using the term 'PTSD' while describing her experiences

One said, "Can someone please explain to celebrities what PTSD is It doesn't come from hurt feelins." 

Another took a more moderate stance as they said, "I agree that PTSD may be too strong a way to describe this, but it certainly does affect every portion of our lives moving on throughout the years. It becomes a way of life for these ladies. Before you know it, you feel like there’s no reason to try. Any occupation is the same."

A person blasted Gugino using sarcasm, writing, "OMFG! How does she deal with this trauma? #SoBrave," while someone else added, "Tell me you live in your own bubble without telling me."

An individual expressed, "Can we stop throwing around PTSD as if bad memories is the same as getting blown up on a battlefield? Or maybe we can separate it into categorical degrees. Call them Real PTSD and Imagined PTSD."

"It's called normal workplace stress & anxiety. Stop with all the PTSD drama!" declared one more, and another person echoed, "I don't think she knows what PTSD really is."

A netizen shared, "Anyone who uses PTSD in this way should be charged for stolen valor. Our heroes have gone through hell and experienced the worst evils known to man. PTSD is a side effect of horrible trauma like that not from mean words being said in your direction."



 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 

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