Jennifer Love Hewitt Recalls ‘Grown Men Talking to Me at 16 About My Breasts’ on Talk Shows: ‘Gross’

Jennifer Love Hewitt Reflects on Uncomfortable Experiences with Sexualization since Teenage Years

Jennifer Love Hewitt recently opened up about distressing encounters with adult men discussing her body when she was just 16 years old. The actress shared her thoughts on the Mayim Bialik’s Breakdown podcast, shedding light on her early days as a budding star in the 1990s. While some aspects of being viewed as a sex symbol were initially exciting for her, Hewitt admitted that as she entered her thirties, she began to realise the inappropriateness of certain interactions from her past.

During the podcast interview with Mayim Bialik, Hewitt recalled instances where grown men would openly talk about her breasts on talk shows, with audiences finding it entertaining. She expressed disbelief at not fully comprehending the implications of such behaviour at that young age. The actress shared, “In hindsight it was very strange to become a sex symbol for people before I even knew what that was.”

Hewitt highlighted how she was unaware of the concept of being seen as ‘sexy’ when she graced the covers of magazines like Maxim at a young age. Reflecting on the lack of understanding she had about the attention she received, she described feeling uncomfortable when people made explicit comments about carrying her photos with them on trips. The actress found these encounters “kinda gross” and disorienting.

The star of “I Know What You Did Last Summer” also addressed the objectification she faced after the movie’s release in 1997. Hewitt lamented how her hard work and accomplishments seemed overshadowed by the emphasis on her physical appearance, with comments like, “‘Oh, I know what your breasts did last summer.” She expressed frustration at the reduction of her talent and efforts to mere physical attributes.

Despite the challenges she faced, Hewitt acknowledged the importance of her mother’s grounded influence in keeping her rooted in reality amidst the glamour of Hollywood. The actress credited her mother for ensuring she maintained a sense of normalcy by emphasising responsibilities like cleaning her room after events, balancing the glitzy with the mundane.

Drawing parallels with Britney Spears’ experiences, Hewitt highlighted the rampant sexualization and inappropriate questioning she endured as a young performer. Reflecting on the probing interviews and objectifying comments she received, the actress expressed solidarity with Spears and criticised the lack of boundaries in media interactions at the time.

Looking back, if given the chance to advise her younger self, Hewitt shared that she would emphasise the importance of not feeling pressured to conform to societal standards of sexiness. With a sense of resilience and hindsight, she acknowledged the growth and perspective she has gained over the years, reassuring her younger self that longevity and self-assurance are invaluable in navigating the challenges of fame.

Hewitt’s candid revelations shed light on the pervasive issue of sexualization and objectification faced by young women in the entertainment industry. Her reflections serve as a reminder of the importance of setting boundaries, asserting agency, and fostering a healthy sense of self-worth in an industry that often prioritises appearance over talent.