Jennifer Love Hewitt recently spoke out about her experience of being sexualized as a teenager in Hollywood. The actress, who shot to fame at the young age of 18 with the movie “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” revealed that she was frequently questioned about her breasts by grown men when she was just 16. Despite the attention she received for her body at a young age, Hewitt admitted that she didn’t even understand what being sexy meant.
Looking back on her teenage years, Hewitt recalled how she was featured on the cover of magazines like “Maxim” without fully comprehending the implications. She even humorously wore a t-shirt with the slogan ‘Silicon Free’ to address rumors of a breast augmentation that started circulating after the release of her movie.
In hindsight, Hewitt acknowledges that the culture of objectification and inappropriate questioning was widely accepted during that time in Hollywood. However, she expressed gratitude for not internalizing these experiences at a deeper level. Watching documentaries like Britney Spears’ recent film has made her realize the significance of the questions she was asked and the societal norms that surrounded them.
Today, as a 45-year-old, Hewitt is grateful for the progress that has been made in terms of body image awareness and boundaries in the industry. She recognizes the contrast between then and now, highlighting the evolving cultural landscape and the importance of respecting individuals’ boundaries and personal agency.