Brooke Shields recalls being ‘sexualised child model’: ‘I’m amazed that I survived but I struggled to find my own voice’

Brooke Shields’ new documentary, “Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields,” has brought to light her experience of being sexualized as a young model and actress. The full trailer provides an insight into her journey and struggle to find her voice in the industry, as she was labeled a ‘sexualized child model’ and an ‘object of desire.’ She expressed her amazement that she was able to survive such a difficult and exploitative environment. The trailer has sparked a strong response from fans, who rushed to the comment section to share messages of support and admiration for her resilience during her struggles as a child artist. Despite the challenges she faced, she went on to have a successful career as an actress, model, and author. Her documentary is set to reveal more about her life and give a glimpse into the darker side of the entertainment industry. (Also read: Brooke Shields reveals how Hollywood executive sexually assaulted her: ‘Invited me to hotel room and…..’)

In the initial moments of the trailer, Brooke was seen getting ready for a modeling shoot, while speaking about how her entire life has been about her looks, with people repeatedly calling her a ‘pretty face.’

The upcoming two-part documentary, it will delve into her career, beginning with her work as a child model at just 11 months old. The documentary will also explore the impact of her casting in Louis Malle’s film Pretty Baby at the age of 12, and her subsequent roles in films such as The Blue Lagoon and Endless Love.

The video included the voiceovers describing her as an ‘Iconic American beauty and an ‘Object of desire,’ but also as a ‘Sexualized child model’ who was ‘Vulnerable’ and subjected to ‘Exploitation.’

In the clip, she cried and admitted, “I’m amazed that I survived any of it.” She continued, and said, “I was struggling to find my own voice. I wasn’t told it was important to have agency.”

She also shared how she broke away from Hollywood by attending Princeton University, where she found her identity and voice. She later returned to the entertainment industry with newfound confidence, saying, “I found my confidence and thought I can have my own opinion. Aw hell no, you’re not taking this away from me… Now it’s like I’m allowed to be a human being.”

ABC News took to Twitter, and shared Brooke Shields’ documentary trailer. Reacting to the clip, one person commented, “She was so exploited as a little girl and young woman. I can’t imagine how bad that felt to only be told you’re valued because of the way you look. That’s so very sad. Shame on every adult in her life who was complicit.” Another person wrote, “What was done to Brooke Shields was so shocking when looked at through today’s eyes. I remember wanting to go see Blue Lagoon when I was a kid and parents saying no, that movie’s for adults. I said, but Brooke Shields is in it and she’s not an adult…” Other person commented, “Being so conventionally beautiful according to societal standards is such a curse. It leads to objectification everywhere a person goes. How can they learn to be their full selves when everyone is so focused on their exterior, like that’s the only truly important thing about them? So many strive to meet that standard in their pursuit of feeling valued and happy, and it’s such a delusion. It’s much better to be just medium-okay looking, like most of us, and be able to go about our lives not so focused on how we look.”