The spotlight of fame often casts a daunting shadow, particularly in the realm of Hollywood, where image and perception wield substantial influence.
Kristen Stewart, known for her breakout role in the Twilight saga, has recently opened up about the pressures she faced to hide her bis-xu@lity as she navigated the challenging landscape of the entertainment industry.
In a candid interview with the British edition of Harper's Bazaar, the 29-year-old actress disclosed the unsettling advice she received when her star began to ascend. She recalls being told, "Do yourself a favor and don't go out with your girlfriend hand in hand in public, so you can work on a Marvel movie." This piece of counsel hinted at the unspoken expectations and prejudices that often circulate within the industry.
Stewart candidly addresses the retrograde mindset that once governed the industry, emphasizing the imperative to preserve one's career, success, and productivity. In the midst of this atmosphere, she reflects, people dissuaded her from acknowledging her true self, neither as a 'lesbian' nor as 'straight.' She states, "People love to gossip, but what the hell do you care?" Stewart's journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance underscores the enduring importance of embracing one's true identity.
The actress's bold declaration of her homos- came in February 2017 when she hosted Saturday Night Live. In a memorable monologue, she addressed then-President Donald Trump, who had criticized her in tweets following her split with Twilight co-star Robert Pattinson. Stewart asserted, "Donald, if you didn't like me in the past, you probably won't like me now because, in addition to being a guest on Saturday Night Live, I'm so gay, man." This powerful message has since become a resounding call to support and amplify the visibility of the LGBTQ+ community.
Stewart's romantic life has been a topic of public interest over the years, with her most notable relationship being with Robert Pattinson. Their love story unfolded both on and off the screen during their four-year connection. Following their parting in 2013, Stewart acknowledged her relationship with producer Alice Cargile. Later, she had an on-again, off-again romance with model Stella Maxwell, along with associations with stylist Sara Dinkin. Currently, she has been seen alongside screenwriter Dylan Meyer.
Despite her initial inclination to shield her private life from the intrusive lens of the media, Stewart's commitment to authenticity led her to embrace her identity more openly. In her own words, "Everything changed when I started dating girls. I realized that if I hid it, it was like being ashamed of who I was. So I began to show myself more in public. I opened up my life, and I am much happier." Her honesty and courage continue to inspire others in their journey of self-discovery.
Reflecting on her past relationship with Robert Pattinson, Stewart shared her earlier approach to guarding her private life, stating, "When Rob and I were together, we had no example to follow. So much was taken from us that, seeking to control a single aspect of our lives, we said 'we will never talk about our relationship, because it is ours.'" This commitment to privacy stemmed from their desire to protect the sanctity of their connection.
While the Twilight saga propelled her to fame, Stewart has ventured into numerous independent films that have garnered recognition at festivals. She has diversified her portfolio by taking on roles in different genres, including action in the remake of "Charlie's Angels," directed by Elizabeth Banks. She has also presented "Seberg" at the Venice Festival and unveiled the trailer for "Underwater," a film directed by William Eubank. Kristen Stewart's journey as an actress is marked by her bold choices and her determination to be true to herself, making her an influential figure both on and off the screen.