**Dafne Keen Reflects on Troubling Experiences as a Child Star in Hollywood**
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Dafne Keen, renowned for her breakthrough role in the 2017 film ‘Logan’, has recently shed light on some troubling experiences from her early career in Hollywood. During her appearance on Michael Rosenbaum’s podcast, ‘Inside of You’, the young actress shared her alarming encounters with illicit substances and uncomfortable fan interactions.
Now 21, Keen revealed that she was first offered cocaine at wrap parties when she was just on the cusp of her teenage years. “I was getting offered coke at wrap parties,” she disclosed. When prompted by Rosenbaum about the age when these offers were made, Keen clarified, “Like, tiny. Like 11, 12, 13.” Her candidness sheds light on the darker side of Hollywood, where such situations can occur in what is often perceived as a glamorous environment.
Keen elaborated on her aversion to substance use, noting that her exposure as a child actress made her wary. “I witnessed so much of that as a child that I just had no interest,” she said. Her strong sense of control has kept her away from intoxicants, as she stated, “I don’t think I’ve ever been drunk enough to even have a hangover.” Keen felt fortunate to be able to say “no” when faced with these propositions.
The Spanish-British actress gained significant acclaim with her portrayal of Laura/X-23 in ‘Logan’, where she starred alongside Hugh Jackman and Patrick Stewart. Keen has since reprised her role in the upcoming ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ film set to be released in 2024. Aside from blockbuster films, she has been featured in notable television series, including the BBC and HBO production ‘His Dark Materials’ and Disney+’s ‘The Acolyte’.
Despite her professional successes, Keen’s experiences with fans have been less than benign. On the podcast, she discussed encounters with predatory behaviour that many child stars face. “I experienced quite a lot of very creepy pedophile men who would send letters and Bibles to my house and music boxes, and would follow me to school,” she shared. Such experiences highlight the challenges young actresses like Keen endure in the public eye.
Keen also weighed in on the nature of fandom in a predominantly male-dominated industry such as Marvel. “Inevitably as a girl, and even more so someone in such a kind of male-dominated sphere like Marvel or in my experience also Star Wars, there are bound to be a lot of male fans,” she noted. Her comments underline the broader discussion of safety and respect for women in the entertainment industry.
In framing her experiences, Keen remains hopeful. She recalled a wise piece of advice from her grandmother, who told her, “A bad person is like someone with a drum in a waiting room. They’re just really loud. But there’s another 30 people who are being perfectly quiet and respectful.” This perspective illustrates her understanding that while negative encounters can be prominent, they do not define the majority of her interactions.
Looking ahead, Keen is set to portray Athena, the Greek goddess, in the much-anticipated third season premiere of Disney+’s ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’, which is scheduled to air on November 20. As she continues to evolve her career, Keen’s reflections offer an inner glimpse into the complexities of growing up in the spotlight.
As these stories circulate, they serve as a reminder of the hidden challenges faced by young actors in the entertainment industry. Dafne Keen’s experiences bring to light the importance of protection and support for child artists in Hollywood, as well as the need for greater awareness regarding the darker aspects of fame.
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