In a candid revelation, actress Sharon Stone has discussed a harrowing experience from her youth in which her father, Joseph Stone, intervened during a threatening encounter with a man she was dating. This incident, which occurred when Sharon was in her twenties, is detailed in a recent episode of *The Person Who Believed In Me* podcast, hosted by CBS correspondent David Begnaud.
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Sharon recounted a terrifying situation where the man she was seeing made threats against her, allegedly saying he would “beat me up”. Feeling cornered and unsure of how to handle the situation, she sought help from her father. In a moment of desperation, Sharon retreated to her bathroom and contacted Joseph for assistance.
During the call, Joseph’s stern instructions were clear and direct. “Put the phone on speaker where he can hear me and open the goddamn door right now,” he insisted. In a tense moment, Sharon complied, opening the door to face her aggressor, who inquired about her father’s presence on the phone.
According to Sharon, her father’s presence was a decisive factor in defusing the situation. He warned the intruder about the consequences of his actions, saying, “You know what that sound is? It’s two shells going in the shotgun. You know what the next sound you’re going to hear is? Me walking out the goddamn door to the airport.” This powerful warning evidently led the man to reconsider his position, and he eventually left the premises.
In the aftermath of the incident, Joseph suggested Sharon take additional precautions, such as placing a chair under the doorknob. Sharon expressed that she believed her father would have taken drastic measures had the situation escalated further. “My dad would have gotten on the plane with his gun, bought shells at the store, walked over,” she remarked, underlining the seriousness of her father’s commitment to her safety.
The podcast discussion did not shy away from the complexities of Sharon’s relationship with her father. She described a challenging upbringing, marked by moments of conflict. Despite acknowledging his positive traits—sophistication, empathy, and intelligence—Sharon admitted that Joseph could be harsh, particularly towards her.
At the age of fourteen, she confronted her father about his behaviour after feeling the brunt of his anger. “I came down the stairs like the Queen of France, one step at a time, and then walked up to his face and said, ‘Why? Do you need to hit me some more to feel like a man? Is that what’s going on here?'” This confrontation proved pivotal, as it led Joseph to reconsider his approach to discipline. “He cried. And he never hit anybody again,” Sharon reflected, noting that their subsequent conversations paved the way for a closer, more understanding relationship.
The complexities of familial dynamics, particularly amid a backdrop of past violence, reveal a narrative of transformation and healing. Sharon Stone’s story highlights the often-overlooked struggles within family relationships, as well as the potential for growth and connection following moments of confrontation.
Listeners interested in Sharon’s full account can find the interview available for streaming on the podcast platform. This compelling narrative serves as a reminder of the challenges many face in their relationships and the importance of addressing violence in any form. For those currently experiencing domestic violence, resources are available such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline, which provides support and guidance 24/7.