In the ’80s and ’90s, s-xual assaults and harassment were not as recognized or addressed as rigorously as they are today, leaving actresses like Dakota Johnson’s grandmother vulnerable to objectification and terrifying situations due to the male gaze.
However, Dakota Johnson fearlessly takes a stand for her grandmother’s generation and others who faced such mistreatment. Using her platform, she advocates for change, bringing awareness to these issues and pushing for more rigorous recognition and addressing of s-xual assaults and harassment.
Dakota Johnson Exposes Alfred Hitchcock’s Dark Control over Tippi Hedren
Lately, the spotlight has turned to Dakota Johnson, who has bravely brought to attention the haunting tales of her grandmother, Tippi Hedren, and her encounters with the iconic filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock in the golden days of Hollywood. In her courageous revelation, Dakota Johnson made a powerful statement, shedding light on how Alfred Hitchcock wielded his power and influence to derail Tippi Hedren’s career, all because she chose not to enter into a relationship with him. This starkly exposes a darker aspect of the entertainment industry, where those in positions of authority abused their power to manipulate and control vulnerable individuals.
In her memoir, Hedren bravely shared her harrowing account of enduring s-xual assault during her collaboration with Hitchcock on the iconic films The Birds and Marnie. During those years, Hedren found herself bound by a contractual agreement with Hitchcock, which added to the complexity of her situation. Allegedly, Hitchcock used this contractual leverage to exert control over her, warning her that leaving the agreement would destroy her career.
Tippi Hedren’s revelations about Alfred Hitchcock’s behavior present a deeply unsettling portrait of a director who went to great and invasive lengths to exert control and manipulation over her. Her accounts suggest that Hitchcock’s troubling behavior extended far beyond the confines of the film set. According to her claims, he allegedly had her followed, invading her personal space, and even resorted to having her handwriting analyzed, crossing boundaries that are not only ethically unacceptable but also deeply disturbing.
A Dark Gift: Dakota Johnson Recalls Alfred Hitchcock’s Disturbing Gesture
In a heartwarming display of support and admiration, Dakota Johnson has been a devoted believer in her grandmother. During the Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast in 2021, she openly expressed her deep admiration for her grandmother’s resilience. She highlighted:
“Hitchcock ruined her career because she didn’t want to sleep with him, and he terrorized her. He was never held accountable.”
Dakota Johnson’s recollections shed further light on the distressing experiences her family endured due to Alfred Hitchcock’s troubling behavior. She revealed that when her mother was just a young child, Hitchcock sent her a disturbing gift—a tiny replica of her grandmother Tippi Hedren in a coffin. This unsettling gesture left a lasting impact on the family, with Dakota Johnson describing it:
“alarming and dark and really, really sad.”
The Girl, a film that depicted Hitchcock’s obsession with Tippi Hedren, brought to the forefront the troubling dynamics that unfolded behind the scenes. However, what added to the distress was that her family received no prior warning about the portrayal in the movie
In a beautiful twist of present-day events, Tippi Hedren discovers her sanctuary not under the bright lights of movie sets, but in the wild company of majestic big cats. Through her non-profit endeavor, The Roar Foundation, she uplifts her journey of compassion and love, rescuing and nurturing lions and tigers once trapped in captivity. Each roar echoing through the sanctuary seems like a healing balm for both the animals and Hedren herself. It’s as if, in the eyes of these magnificent creatures, she finds solace and purpose, transforming her painful past into a tale of hope and resilience.
Also read: Legendary Directors Who Made The Actors Suffer By Taking Perfection Too Far
Source: Independent
