Charlize Theron is reclaiming her story — not by naming the powerful director who sexually harassed her, but by making sure he lives in fear of being exposed every single day.
In a raw and deeply personal interview on the Call Her Daddy podcast, the Oscar-winning actress opened up about a disturbing incident from early in her career — and why she’s intentionally keeping her abuser’s name out of the headlines.
“He knows exactly who he is. He even wrote me a letter when the story broke — trying to explain himself,” Theron revealed. “That panic? That’s what accountability looks like.”
Years ago, while promoting Bombshell, a film about workplace harassment, Theron told journalists the man’s name. But none of the outlets published it. Not because she wasn’t clear — but because they were afraid. That silence from the media only added fuel to her fire.
“I don’t want to give him the spotlight. I don’t want the story to be about him,” she said. “I won’t even f***ing say your name — because you already know you’re the scumbag.”
Theron’s decision isn’t about forgiveness or fear. It’s about power — her power. She’s flipping the script on how these stories are told. Instead of giving her abuser a headline, she’s choosing to let him sit with the weight of his actions, unsure if or when the world will find out.
“If anyone ever asked me who it was, I’d tell them the truth. And he knows that.”
Her words reflect a deeper frustration with an industry that continues to protect powerful men — even when survivors are brave enough to speak out. Theron isn’t just calling out one director — she’s calling out the system that allowed it.
By refusing to say his name, she’s keeping the attention exactly where it belongs: on the abuse of power, the pain it causes, and the strength it takes to survive it.
