Julia Roberts has recently received praise for her thoughtful response in an old interview clip that resurfaced, where she addressed a question about domestic violence. The clip, from a press tour for the 1991 film Sleeping with the Enemy, shows Roberts discussing the complexities of domestic abuse and manipulation.
In the interview, Roberts, who portrayed a character escaping an abusive relationship in the film, expressed her inability to fully comprehend such a horrific situation. She emphasized the psychological and destructive nature of domestic violence, highlighting that it is not a simple matter of just fighting back.
The resurfaced clip has gained significant attention on TikTok, amassing over 1.5 million views. Viewers have lauded Roberts for her emotional intelligence and sincerity in addressing the sensitive topic of domestic violence.
Comparisons have been drawn between Roberts' response and recent comments made by actor Blake Lively, who faced criticism for what some deemed as a 'tone-deaf' promotion of her film 'It Ends With Us,' which also deals with domestic violence. Lively's call for cinemagoers to wear florals was met with backlash on social media.
Following the backlash, Lively took to her Instagram Story to raise awareness about the prevalence of intimate partner violence, sharing statistics and resources for those affected. The response from Lively comes amidst ongoing discussions about the portrayal and promotion of films addressing sensitive topics like domestic violence.
While Roberts' interview has sparked admiration for her empathetic and thoughtful approach, it has also reignited conversations about the importance of handling such topics with sensitivity and awareness. The contrasting reactions to Roberts and Lively's comments underscore the significance of addressing domestic violence in a respectful and informed manner.
