**Sharon Stone Reflects on Assault a Decade Later in Candid Podcast Interview**
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Sharon Stone, renowned actress known for her roles in films like *Basic Instinct*, has bravely opened up about a physical assault she experienced ten years ago. During a recent episode of *The Person Who Believed in Me*, a podcast hosted by CBS correspondent David Begnaud, the 68-year-old shared her harrowing experience and the long-term impact it had on her life.
Recalling the incident, Stone described how she was “hit from behind,” leaving her unconscious on the floor. The chaos of furniture scattered around the room—a coffee table overturned and sofas askew—painted a vivid picture of the trauma she endured. “I didn’t really know until ten years later what had happened to me,” she revealed, highlighting the long delay in understanding the extent of the attack’s impact.

A decade after the assault, Stone sought medical advice for persistent discomfort in her neck and shoulders. Upon attending a clinic in Marina Del Rey, the actress underwent extensive examinations that revealed something alarming. “Your thoracic rib cage is all fractured and scarred back together. It’s clear that you were attacked and that what happened to you was a felony,” her doctor told her. This revelation prompted a wave of emotions, including a panic attack, particularly as she was still under the influence of propofol, a sedative used for medical procedures.

When pressed about the identity of her attacker, Stone opted to keep the details private, stating, “I am not going to say publicly, but I am going to say that we did report and we did do everything.” Although she had the chance to pursue legal action, she chose not to do so, believing that a decade had passed since the event and that being a public figure could complicate her case. “I did not want that to be my legacy,” she stated, demonstrating her desire to move forward rather than remain anchored to a traumatic past.
While she feels confident she knows who assaulted her, Stone expressed concern about the difficulties she might face in court, almost ten years later. “I might have had circumstantial evidence to make sort of a case, but…,” she explained, leaving the nature of her decisions shrouded in a desire for privacy. Reflecting on whether she considered the attack as an instance of domestic violence, she chose not to elaborate, maintaining her discretion.
In addition to discussing the assault, Stone shared insights into her complicated relationship with her father, Joseph Stone. She described confronting him about his abusive behaviour when she was just 14 years old, articulating the fear and uncertainty that surrounded their relationship. Despite acknowledging his positive qualities, she recounted instances of physical abuse, saying, “He was harder on me than he was my younger brother. Finally, I confronted him when I was 14, because he was a hitter.”
With a mix of candour and resilience, Stone recounted a significant moment during which she boldly challenged her father. She vividly remembered his anger and her defiance as she addressed him directly, “Do you need to hit me some more to feel like a man? Is that what’s going on here?” This confrontation, she recalled, marked a turning point in their relationship, leading to a newfound understanding between father and daughter. “He cried. And he never hit anybody again. It was over. And then we started talking.”
Through her story, Stone illuminates not only the impact of her assault but also her journey towards healing and reconciliation with past trauma within her family dynamics. Her experiences shed light on the often overlooked realities of survivors and the complexities of familial relationships. As she continues to navigate these challenges, her narrative serves as a reminder of the strength it takes to confront one’s history while seeking a path of resilience and hope.
In sharing her journey, Sharon Stone not only breaks her silence on a painful chapter of her life but also aims to inspire others who may have faced similar experiences. By speaking out, she fosters a conversation about the importance of support, healing, and the ongoing struggle for justice, illustrating that recovery is possible, even in the aftermath of profound adversity.
