Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields (Hulu)

[BetterButter]

 

Edited March 1, 2023 by BetterButter

[DanaK]

It doesn't say it in the trailer, but this is a 2 part documentary

[BetterButter]

 

[Enero]

I started watching this, but I don't know if I'll finish it. It's really disgusting how her mom exploited her, even how the industry exploited her. People in the documentary talked about how Brooke's mom was heavily scrutinized for the Pretty Baby movie, but not the director. I get that argument. However, the buck stopped with the mom. She allowed her  10 year old daughter to be sexualized. That's what she had control over. If she'd said no, hell if all stage moms said no to this type of behavior, the directors wouldn't be able to do what they do in sexualizing children. 

 

 

 

[Maurina]

This was an exceedingly difficult thing to watch - at least the first part.  Although Brooke herself seems to have made peace long ago with the outrageous child exploitation that happened over and over when she was a minor, it's absolutely stomach-turning to see it in this special.

That said, I genuinely appreciate her later discussion of her post-partum depression.  Our first pregnancy stories are eerily similar: Labor for over 24 hours, near-death experience during a subsequent emergency C-section, terrifying and inexplicably paranoid thoughts for weeks after, crushing depression, and the conclusion that only insanity could explain all this.  Like her, it took a while for me and the people around me to recognize that this wasn't just the "baby blues".

I had my first child long before she did, and I think her book would have been very helpful to me had it come out back then. I was totally lost for a long time. I hope that if nothing else this special provides some help and hope to anyone going through something similar.

[Enero]

58 minutes ago, Maurina said:

That said, I genuinely appreciate her later discussion of her post-partum depression.  Our first pregnancy stories are eerily similar: Labor for over 24 hours, near-death experience during a subsequent emergency C-section, terrifying and inexplicably paranoid thoughts for weeks after, crushing depression, and the conclusion that only insanity could explain all this.  Like her, it took a while for me and the people around me to recognize that this wasn't just the "baby blues".

Her speaking out on this was extremely progressive for the time. Glad she had the courage to be honest about her experience as I’m sure it helped a lot of women. I must admit when they showed the clip of Tom Cruise spouting his ignorant nonsense about Brooke’s experience and PPD, I was little taken aback as I’d forgotten how BSC he looked during that rant when he really thought he knew what he was talking about. A man who never has and never will carry a baby or experience the hormonal changes a woman experiences during and after pregnancy. 

Anyway, I did finish this. The first part was difficult the 2nd part was more tolerable. I’m amazed that Brooke turned out as well as she did considering how she was exploited. Ironically enough, though her mom was the main one leading the charge of that exploitation, she also seemed to be very  protective of Brooke which undoubtedly prevented her from being completely used up and crushed by Hollywood as so many child celebrities are. 

[chediavolo]

20 hours ago, Enero said:

I started watching this, but I don't know if I'll finish it. It's really disgusting how her mom exploited her, even how the industry exploited her. People in the documentary talked about how Brooke's mom was heavily scrutinized for the Pretty Baby movie, but not the director. I get that argument. However, the buck stopped with the mom. She allowed her  10 year old daughter to be sexualized. That's what she had control over. If she'd said no, hell if all stage moms said no to this type of behavior, the directors wouldn't be able to do what they do in sexualizing children. 

 

 

 

So the story I’ve heard is she was pretty much a classless drunk,  hooked up with this blue blood fancy-schmancy, filthy rich guy she met at a bar and he married her for some reason instead of just sending child support .  the story about her antics at Brooke’s wedding as told by Kathy Griffin are unfortunately & sadly not surprising. 
 

[Sugarbaker]

The way Teri fetishized her daughter’s looks were gross. If Brooke hadn’t been an attractive baby or child, she probably would have been pawned off and raised by other friends and family while Teri went out bar hopping. 

[DanielleBowden]

I am a bit younger than Brooke Shields and grew up idolizing her.  I always thought she was beautiful and smart, and I totally copied her Princeton preppy looks.  The controversy with her Mom and the weirdness of her Calvin ads and movies went right over my head at that age.  There is so much confusion and pain on her beautiful face during those interview clips. It seems like she made peace with her Mom but I hope she's still unpacking that relationship with someone.  I had forgotten about Suddenly Susan completely and the horridness of Tom Cruise's commentary on her post-partum struggles. "Brooke doesn't understand". Really, Tom?  Is Judd Nelson okay?  He seemed very thin.

[Scarlett45]

I’m looking forward to seeing this one. I have always admired Brooke Shields for how she spoke about her PPD- I know it helped so many women. 

1 hour ago, Sugarbaker said:

The way Teri fetishized her daughter’s looks were gross. If Brooke hadn’t been an attractive baby or child, she probably would have been pawned off and raised by other friends and family while Teri went out bar hopping. 

This is a huge problem with children in the performance industry. Many of the parents who would LET their child do this are in it for their own gain and the money they can make exploiting the child. Of course there are exceptions, but it’s got to be a mind trip that your caregivers who you love and trust intimately (duh because you are a child and they are your caregiver) see you as a PRODUCT. 

[chediavolo]

3 hours ago, Sugarbaker said:

The way Teri fetishized her daughter’s looks were gross. If Brooke hadn’t been an attractive baby or child, she probably would have been pawned off and raised by other friends and family while Teri went out bar hopping. 

It seems to me she looks nothing like either one of her parents .

2 hours ago, DanielleBowden said:

I am a bit younger than Brooke Shields and grew up idolizing her.  I always thought she was beautiful and smart, and I totally copied her Princeton preppy looks.  The controversy with her Mom and the weirdness of her Calvin ads and movies went right over my head at that age.  There is so much confusion and pain on her beautiful face during those interview clips. It seems like she made peace with her Mom but I hope she's still unpacking that relationship with someone.  I had forgotten about Suddenly Susan completely and the horridness of Tom Cruise's commentary on her post-partum struggles. "Brooke doesn't understand". Really, Tom?  Is Judd Nelson okay?  He seemed very thin.

Judd Nelson looked  terrible. I hope he isn’t ill also  It looked like his head was way too small for his body as if he was 90 pounds and wearing a suit that was 4 times too big.. 

So far I’ve only seen part one but it sure looks pretty obvious that Terry was in it for the money instead of going out and working she made money off her daughter. It is absolutely crazy how much the world has changed since the 80s when children were shown in movies this way And those Calvin Klein ads, etc. It seems Brooke  is handling this in a  healthy way, but how can she not have  have a bit of denial or PTSD Forgetfulness going on.>

[chediavolo]

3 hours ago, Sugarbaker said:

The way Teri fetishized her daughter’s looks were gross. If Brooke hadn’t been an attractive baby or child, she probably would have been pawned off and raised by other friends and family while Teri went out bar hopping. 

I can’t imagine the horror of her life had she not been born beautiful. She is incredibly lucky that she had that going from her from day one because  it had to be bad enough living with this out of control alcoholic woman, but can you imagine if she was not the breadwinner. The way Brookes friends are describing Terry is just heartbreaking. 

[chediavolo]

Finished part 2. Was not that impressed with the daughters. 
Tom Cruise is a disgusting little troll cult leader. Why does anyone idolize this POS? 
 

[Emmeline]

How is it possible that the photographer, Gary Gross, who took nude photos of Brook Shields at the age of nine could continue to market the photos as long as he did not sell them to pornographic publications.  He should have been prosecuted for taking the pictures at all. Of course her mother signed a waver when they were taken.  They took him to court in 1983. Of course I’m thinking this with my 2023 brain.

[Enero]

3 hours ago, Emmeline said:

How is it possible that the photographer, Gary Gross, who took nude photos of Brook Shields at the age of nine could continue to market the photos as long as he did not sell them to pornographic publications.

I may have misheard but I thought they said the pictures were originally published in Playboy? I was appalled this wasn’t illegal as well whether her mom gave consent or not. Then I remembered some crime documentaries I watched were the Dating Game Killer (?) served time twice for raping children under the age of 9. But this monster only served about a year or two for each crime. So it makes sense that the law and society didn’t blink an eye over this. Also it wasn’t too far in the past, before 1975 - when the pics were taken, that 12 and 14 year olds were married off to old men for breeding purposes. And then there were all those actors and rock stars from that period (and before) who were dating girls who were barely 16 or younger. It was certainly a different world back then and for many years to follow, where many didn’t seem to have a problem with men dating or marrying girls, and children being exploited. 
 

On 4/4/2023 at 12:10 PM, Sugarbaker said:

The way Teri fetishized her daughter’s looks were gross. If Brooke hadn’t been an attractive baby or child, she probably would have been pawned off and raised by other friends and family while Teri went out bar hopping. 

I had to rewind the part where she said she’d encouraged Brooke’s sensuality since she was a baby. I thought  ‘Say What?’ I know I didn’t hear what I think I did. Unfortunately I did. 

I did find it interesting how Brooke kind of played down what her mom did to her. And even how her father didn’t seem to care enough to stop the exploitation. Any father who gave a dam about his daughter would not have tolerated what Teri did to Brooke. I do wonder if her lack of displeasure, even anger over what her mom did (and her dad didn’t do) is a coping mechanism to keep her mental health in a good place. Or perhaps she raged out on what happened to her years ago and now she’s at peace with it.

Edited April 6, 2023 by Enero

[txhorns79]

2 hours ago, Enero said:

I may have misheard but I thought they said the pictures were originally published in Playboy? 

I think she said they were part of some art book published by Playboy, not that they were in the magazine itself. 

[pasdetrois]

I'm disturbed at how much of the objectionable content was shown in this documentary. I guess Stephanopoulous and Wentworth think it's OK to objectify Brooke all over again for dollars. They are trash.

Edited April 6, 2023 by pasdetrois

[chediavolo]

17 hours ago, Enero said:

I may have misheard but I thought they said the pictures were originally published in Playboy? I was appalled this wasn’t illegal as well whether her mom gave consent or not. Then I remembered some crime documentaries I watched were the Dating Game Killer (?) served time twice for raping children under the age of 9. But this monster only served about a year or two for each crime. So it makes sense that the law and society didn’t blink an eye over this. Also it wasn’t too far in the past, before 1975 - when the pics were taken, that 12 and 14 year olds were married off to old men for breeding purposes. And then there were all those actors and rock stars from that period (and before) who were dating girls who were barely 16 or younger. It was certainly a different world back then and for many years to follow, where many didn’t seem to have a problem with men dating or marrying girls, and children being exploited. 
 

I had to rewind the part where she said she’d encouraged Brooke’s sensuality since she was a baby. I thought  ‘Say What?’ I know I didn’t hear what I think I did. Unfortunately I did. 

I did find it interesting how Brooke kind of played down what her mom did to her. And even how her father didn’t seem to care enough to stop the exploitation. Any father who gave a dam about his daughter would not have tolerated what Teri did to Brooke. I do wonder if her lack of displeasure, even anger over what her mom did (and her dad didn’t do) is a coping mechanism to keep her mental health in a good place. Or perhaps she raged out on what happened to her years ago and now she’s at peace with it.

Either she’s in denial or I just don’t know how she’s not angry about what was done to her. What I am listening to on podcasts and on this documentary it seems like she thought this was a little girl playing dress up, artistic bullshit, etc. but maybe that’s just her way of dealing it where someone else  would go out of control and be turn to drugs or alcohol. She packs it away with the explanation in her head that this was artistic expression, not exploitation of a baby/child, and as far as her mother goes, some people are just like that with their parents who abuse them it’s too hurtful to think of reality 

[Scarlett45]

On 4/6/2023 at 2:21 PM, chediavolo said:

Either she’s in denial or I just don’t know how she’s not angry about what was done to her. What I am listening to on podcasts and on this documentary it seems like she thought this was a little girl playing dress up, artistic bullshit, etc. but maybe that’s just her way of dealing it where someone else  would go out of control and be turn to drugs or alcohol. She packs it away with the explanation in her head that this was artistic expression, not exploitation of a baby/child, and as far as her mother goes, some people are just like that with their parents who abuse them it’s too hurtful to think of reality 

Many children love their abusers (and I don’t judge them for that- never). I think Terri was incredibly damaged (for some reasons beyond her control) and hit the Jack Pot with this gorgeous child who actually had talent and a sweet temperament. Terri did some good things for Brooke (like encouraging her to remain at Princeton), but she was incredibly damaged and used alcohol to cope and tried to use her child to fill emotional holes AND line her pockets. 
 

This type of thing is seen more in more “typical” situations of the single parent/only child dynamic “me and my child against the world”, it’s very easy in that situation to lean emotionally on your child (even if you don’t have an addiction or are exploiting your child for money). I’ve discussed this with some of my friends that are single mothers, and they want to be very aware as their kids get older so they don’t lean on them too much emotionally- make sure you have peers for that. But you have to be open to knowing that’s a problem. 
 

I am not making excuses for Terri, she was so gross, but I can understand why BROOKE forgives her. As far as her Dad, he was probably taking the emotionally easy way out, and felt so long as the child support check wasn’t late and he did see Brooke regularly (seems like he was involved, she had a relationship with her step sister), he was a “good dad”. 

[Scarlett45]

I had to add I thought it was precious and realistic that Brooke’s daughters had no desire to see Blue Lagoon or Endless Love- ummm no mommy you’re NUDE in it!

[Scarlett45]

On 4/4/2023 at 6:44 AM, chediavolo said:

So the story I’ve heard is she was pretty much a classless drunk,  hooked up with this blue blood fancy-schmancy, filthy rich guy she met at a bar and he married her for some reason instead of just sending child support .  the story about her antics at Brooke’s wedding as told by Kathy Griffin are unfortunately & sadly not surprising. 
 

Given the age Terri was when Brooke was born (and she didn’t have any other children before or after), I wonder if she 1. Was waiting to meet someone, and thought she hit the jackpot with this guy, 2. Wasn’t very fertile, or 3. Was diligent about her birth control and slipped up(resulting in Brooke) or maybe a combination of all three. 
 

For a woman born in 1933 to her first and only child after 30 was usual, of course it happened (my great aunt had her first child at 34, although she was married at 19, but that was on purpose, she got married to get out of her mother’s house but wanted to wait, her husband was cool with that). It pinged me. I think if Brooke had just been average looking she would’ve given her to her father and he would raised her (meaning the nanny or his next wife) and Terri would’ve moved on with her life knowing her kid was safe (which I think she would’ve been). 

[kaygeeret]

Brooke really seems like an amazing person to have come to terms with the crap that happened to her - including the adult rape by the unnamed 'executive'.

She has dealt with so very much in her life it was a true joy to see the end with a loving husband and normal teenage daughters.  

I am in awe of her strength.

I also think the childhood 'beauty' pagents are much the same as the entertainment industry in terms of sexualizing young girls.  I find them disgusting and have always wondered why they continue.

[Gemma Violet]

On 4/5/2023 at 8:32 PM, Enero said:

Any father who gave a dam about his daughter would not have tolerated what Teri did to Brooke.

We don't know if he did or didn't try to prevent some of the projects Brooke was involved in.  Teri had custody so I'm thinking he didn't have much say.  Even if he conveyed his objections to Teri, how do you reason with an alcoholic?

Edited April 10, 2023 by Gemma Violet

[Enero]

2 hours ago, Gemma Violet said:

We don't know if he did or didn't try to prevent some of the projects Brooke was involved in.  Teri had custody so I'm thinking he didn't have much say.  Even if he conveyed his objections to Teri, how do you reason with an alcoholic?

If he couldn't convince her to stop the exploitation through personal discussions that's what the court systems are for. Being that she was an alcoholic and he was as I understand a well established business man who was married (he'd remarried after the divorce from Teri), he probably had a strong case for obtaining custody of Brooke.  Also, being that he was her father wouldn't he have a say in the projects Brooke did if he chose to have a say? I really don't think he cared how Teri was exploiting Brooke. Or he didn't think there was anything wrong with what she was doing. 

 

Quote

I also think the childhood 'beauty' pagents are much the same as the entertainment industry in terms of sexualizing young girls.  I find them disgusting and have always wondered why they continue.

@kaygeeret Completely agree. I don't understand why a child needs her face made up like an adult and her hair styled like she's about to do a sexy photoshoot for Vogue. To me, heavy make up, swimsuit competition and big hair etc., should be grounds for disqualification in children's beauty pageants. 

Edited April 10, 2023 by Enero

[Scarlett45]

On 4/10/2023 at 10:04 AM, Enero said:

If he couldn't convince her to stop the exploitation through personal discussions that's what the court systems are for. Being that she was an alcoholic and he was as I understand a well established business man who was married (he'd remarried after the divorce from Teri), he probably had a strong case for obtaining custody of Brooke.  Also, being that he was her father wouldn't he have a say in the projects Brooke did if he chose to have a say? I really don't think he cared how Teri was exploiting Brooke. Or he didn't think there was anything wrong with what she was doing. 

 

He probably didn’t like it but didn’t care enough to stop it. His job was to send the child support, take her on outings and spend some holidays with her. Whatever else happened to her was her mother’s fault. Plenty of men feel that way in 2023, bunch less the 60s-80s when parenting roles were much more defined by gender. 
 

For the record I’m not saying there weren’t fathers who would step in. I’m sure there are many in that situation who would have, I’m saying I’m not surprised that Brooke’s father didn’t. He probably was glad to deal with Terri as little as possible and thought he was being a “good dad” by seeing Brooke at all. 

On 4/10/2023 at 10:04 AM, Enero said:

@kaygeeret Completely agree. I don't understand why a child needs her face made up like an adult and her hair styled like she's about to do a sexy photoshoot for Vogue. To me, heavy make up, swimsuit competition and big hair etc., should be grounds for disqualification in children's beauty pageants. 

I agree with you both. Those child beauty pageants always gave me the creeps. 

[Book Junkie]

I couldn't get over the fact that 1. Brooke had to testify in the case where she and her mom were trying to stop the nude photos from being sold again, and 2. the questions she had to answer. Brooke still seems to be upset about that, as she should be. Why did she have to testify at all? She was NINE when those photos were taken with her mother's consent. She didn't have a choice. And the questions! They were asking her if she like putting on the makeup, feeling pretty, having all of that attention, etc. SHE WAS NINE. 

I was also struck by how while Teri was very lax about Brooke's sexual exploitation, she was fiercely protective of Brooke's tutoring sessions and time, and made sure she got an education, which is why Brooke got a degree from Princeton. At least Teri did right by Brooke in that regard. I do think Teri loved Brooke very much, in the best way she knew, but she was a messed up woman.

I've always had the impression Dean Cain is a nice guy, and this documentary cemented that. Dean was a big man on campus football star, and here's beautiful, uber famous Brooke Shields, who's been talking about her virgin status. (Sidebar: Why are women always asked about their virginity? It's much better today, but I don't recall young male stars asked their virginity. Even Britney Spears was asked, but not Justin Timberlake.) A lot of guys in Dean's position would've taken advantage of Brooke, but it sounds like he was very patient, kind and loving with her. I'm amazed she wasn't assaulted at Princeton by some jerk who just wanted to brag about banging Brooke Shields. 

Anyone else think Brooke's rapist was Harvey Weinstein? Her account and his victims' accounts sound awfully similar: meeting on the premise of a possible movie role, I've got a script or more details in my hotel room and I'll call you a cab from up there, then he goes into the bathroom for a long time and comes out naked before sexually assaulting her. Those are all the same details as Harvey Weinstein's victims' testimonies and accounts.

 All in all, a really good documentary. I loved the scene at the end of Brooke talking with her daughters at the dinner table about how they present themselves on social media and sexualizing themselves and what she went through with that. It was very sweet and I'm glad she doesn't shy away talking about those issues with her daughters. Despite everything, Brooke seems to have have turned out very healthy and happy.

[AstridM]

3 hours ago, Book Junkie said:

I've always had the impression Dean Cain is a nice guy

Errrrr . . . 

[Book Junkie]

15 hours ago, AstridM said:

Errrrr . . . 

What have you heard?

[Sweet-tea]

On 4/5/2023 at 8:32 PM, Enero said:

I may have misheard but I thought they said the pictures were originally published in Playboy? I was appalled this wasn’t illegal as well whether her mom gave consent or not. Then I remembered some crime documentaries I watched were the Dating Game Killer (?) served time twice for raping children under the age of 9. But this monster only served about a year or two for each crime. So it makes sense that the law and society didn’t blink an eye over this. Also it wasn’t too far in the past, before 1975 - when the pics were taken, that 12 and 14 year olds were married off to old men for breeding purposes. And then there were all those actors and rock stars from that period (and before) who were dating girls who were barely 16 or younger. It was certainly a different world back then and for many years to follow, where many didn’t seem to have a problem with men dating or marrying girls, and children being exploited. 
 

I had to rewind the part where she said she’d encouraged Brooke’s sensuality since she was a baby. I thought  ‘Say What?’ I know I didn’t hear what I think I did. Unfortunately I did. 

I did find it interesting how Brooke kind of played down what her mom did to her. And even how her father didn’t seem to care enough to stop the exploitation. Any father who gave a dam about his daughter would not have tolerated what Teri did to Brooke. I do wonder if her lack of displeasure, even anger over what her mom did (and her dad didn’t do) is a coping mechanism to keep her mental health in a good place. Or perhaps she raged out on what happened to her years ago and now she’s at peace with it.

I just finished it. I’m still amazed the movie Pretty Baby was made and nude photos of Brooke were published. Agree that her mother was absolutely responsible! There were always be director creeps who want to take advantage and exploit a child. Her mother should’ve said NO! But she knew she had a beautiful child and she wanted to make money off her. That was it, pure and simple.

I read a book about Elizabeth Taylor and it was a similar story, although not as bad as Brooke. But Elizabeth was an unusually beautiful child. She had those eyes and double eyelashes. Her mother said people would stop on the street to comment on her, so her mother started pawning her out to the studio at a young age. She worked incredibly long hours. There weren’t child labor laws then. 

What I didn’t understand is why there wasn’t more about Brooke’s father. He was hardly mentioned, although I did notice he was at her wedding. I’ve previously read Brooke took more after him. He was tall and handsome. In some early photos of her mother, I did see some resemblance to Brooke, although of course Brooke is much more attractive. 

I thought I read Brooke sued her mother as one point for control of her (Brooke’s) income, but the show didn’t mention it so maybe I’m wrong. I have mixed feelings about how careful Brooke was in talking about her mother. I don’t know if she’s made peace of is still affected by what happened and has trauma-bonded with her mother. I had an alcoholic, abusive, controlling mother so some of what I saw in Brooke’s reactions to things seemed familiar. She said more negative things about Andre Agassi than she did her mother. 

I liked that her daughters challenged Brooke in the discussion at the table, saying as an 11 year-old she couldn’t have given consent. 

I remember the Tom Cruise controversy. My husband didn’t so I looked up the full interview on YT. It’s about 15 minutes and the first part is going fine with Tom talking about his latest movie and how happy he is. The weird thing is Katie Holmes is sitting offstage watching with a frozen smile on her face. It’s creepy. Then in the second part of the interview when Matt Lauer brings up Scientology, that’s where it turns. I thought Matt did a decent job of trying to reason with Tom, but to no avail as Tom was an arrogant, condescending nutjob. 

Back on point, I’m assuming Brooke’s father has also died. Wonder why they didn’t mention it. 

 

Edited April 18, 2023 by Sweet-tea

[Future Cat Lady]

On 4/14/2023 at 11:39 AM, Book Junkie said:

What have you heard?

Let's just say he belongs in the same group as Kevin Sorbo, Scott Baio, Candace Cameron, Melissa Joan Hart...

[AstridM]

38 minutes ago, Future Cat Lady said:

Let's just say he belongs in the same group as Kevin Sorbo, Scott Baio, Candace Cameron, Melissa Joan Hart...

Thank you. 

[sashabear21]

Brooke seems like a very well-adjusted person. Does she have and should she have complicated issues related to her mother? Absolutely. And what she went through with her is an incredibly specific situation.  I think Brooke has been able to very admirably move on and while she doesn't like to say that she was exploited, she's pretty adamant that her own daughters would never be subjected to the things she was as a child. Also, she's raising her daughters unlike Tom "I know the history of postpartum depression!" Cruise. 

[Sweet-tea]

On 4/13/2023 at 3:35 PM, Book Junkie said:

Anyone else think Brooke's rapist was Harvey Weinstein? Her account and his victims' accounts sound awfully similar: meeting on the premise of a possible movie role, I've got a script or more details in my hotel room and I'll call you a cab from up there, then he goes into the bathroom for a long time and comes out naked before sexually assaulting her. Those are all the same details as Harvey Weinstein's victims' testimonies and accounts.

My first thought was it was HW but then I considered that there are probably other creepy, predator directors in Hollywood. Meeting in hotel rooms wasn't uncommon in the industry. Still, it could be Harvey.

I saw an interview she did recently and she explained why she wasn't naming the guy. She said she didn't want to "give him power." I didn't understand this. How does naming the guy who raped her give him power? Yes, it would call attention to him, but in a negative way. I wonder if she's afraid of being sued. 

Edited April 16, 2023 by Sweet-tea

[Scarlett45]

5 hours ago, Sweet-tea said:

My first thought was it was HW but then I considered that there are probably other creepy, predator directors in Hollywood. Meeting in hotel rooms wasn't uncommon in the industry. Still, it could be Harvey.

I saw an interview she did recently and she explained why she wasn't naming the guy. She said she didn't want to "give him power." I didn't understand this. How does naming the guy who raped her give him power? Yes, it would call attention to him, but in a negative way. I wonder if she's afraid of being sued. 

Yes, I assume she doesn’t want to be sued for defamation. 

On 4/15/2023 at 7:15 AM, Sweet-tea said:

I thought I read Brooke sued her mother as one point for control of her (Brooke’s) income, but the show didn’t mention it so maybe I’m wrong. I have mixed feelings about how careful Brooke was in talking about her mother. I don’t know if she’s made peace of is still affected by what happened and has trauma-bonded with her mother. I had an abusive, controlling mother so some of what I saw in Brooke’s reactions to things seemed familiar. She said more negative things about Andre Agassi than she did her mother. 

 

Im so very sorry that happened to you.
 

I think Brooke loves her mother deeply still and knows she wouldn’t have much of the fame/fortune she has now without her mother’s management so it’s a catch 22. Brooke had her mother removed as her manager after she graduated Princeton. Also her mother is dead now so there’s no chance to “make amends”. I’ve heard from some that loving someone with addiction means you don’t know who you’re getting. I can imagine there’s a lot of happy memories with her Mom when things were good, and awful ones when her Mom was drinking.
 

Where as what did Andre do for her at the end of the day? Compared to the woman who gave her life and made her a star. I get why she would be very careful about what she said. 

[DanaK]

I just saw this this morning and it was really good. Brooke clearly loved her mother and has probably compartmentalized some of her feelings about her. Brooke’s gone through a lot in her life, including her early sexualized roles, and it was interesting to hear her thoughts and feelings about things. I’m glad she’s currently in a good place with her husband and kids

[EtheltoTillie]

On 4/15/2023 at 10:43 PM, Future Cat Lady said:

Let's just say he belongs in the same group as Kevin Sorbo, Scott Baio, Candace Cameron, Melissa Joan Hart...

Sorry, I don't understand this.  How are they similar?  I know about Candace Cameron being very religious conservative, but not the others? 

[Future Cat Lady]

32 minutes ago, EtheltoTillie said:

Sorry, I don't understand this.  How are they similar?  I know about Candace Cameron being very religious conservative, but not the others? 

They all share similar political or religious views.

[libgirl2]

I watched this last night on ABC. It was very interesting and I always like her. I think she dealt with a lot with her mother but at the end of the day, that was still her mother. Maybe Brooke is just one of those genuinely sweet people who doesn't have a lot of anger in her heart? 

I thought HW right away, but yes, there are others. 

I loved AA and their story made me sad. I'm glad she is happy now with the right person. 

Melissa Joan Hart? Oh no. 

[Bastet]

I like that this stated clearly her mom's role in the unholy mess of exploitation happening throughout her youth (including that when Brooke was one day old, her mom looked at her and "knew" she was going to be a star) yet also pointed out her mom is all anyone wanted to blame, while the directors were praised for their artistic genius.  That these movies are produced - and consumed - is disgusting, and Teri is only one part of that.

I also like Brooke giving her mom credit for, despite wanting her back home with every fiber of her being (because she was so ridiculously attached to her, and because if she came home and went back to work that's more money for Teri), talking Brooke off the ledge when she was freaking out at Princeton and saying she needed to come home -- you'll regret it the rest of your life if you do, you need to stick it out.

It was a devastating look at how that kind of abuse affects someone for life, that they're still compartmentalizing for the sake of their own sanity.

I knew she was married to the tennis guy, but not that he was a controlling, insecure dickhead.  As was said, though, it makes perfect sense that he's the kind of man she'd be drawn/vulnerable to, given how she'd been conditioned by her mom.  I'm glad she seems to have found a decent man the second time around.

I remember all that nonsense from Tom Cruise, and the way she fired back is even more enjoyable in hindsight, knowing how much work she'd done with herself to be able to have the confidence to do that (and to have shared her story in the first place).  A friend had PPD back in the '70s, which is when it first gained medical attention, but by a select few, and thankfully the nurse to whom she finally "confessed" was among those and got her the help she needed.  That in 2003 so many people were still dismissing it as "the baby blues" is disheartening.

I also remember her suing to block the release of some childhood nudes, but I'd never actually seen the photos in question before and very much wish I still hadn't.

Overall, I thought this was pretty good.  I still can't get over looking at a newborn and having your big dream for her be making her a star.  Not even one day of just being a precious baby before you start envisioning how you can turn her into a commodity??  Okay, you're a Jersey girl who dreams of the fabulous NYC life.  Nothin' wrong with that.  But there's sure as hell a wrong way to go about getting it.

[Sweet-tea]

On 8/22/2023 at 4:44 PM, Future Cat Lady said:

They all share similar political or religious views.

So because they are Christians you are implying they aren't good people? Not cool or fair. Would you say this about Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, etc?

[Shrek]

On 11/9/2024 at 1:47 PM, Sweet-tea said:

So because they are Christians you are implying they aren't good people? Not cool or fair. Would you say this about Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, etc?

You're extrapolating christians from nothing as the quote said religious views not christians, you're the only person who mentioned christians. Maybe they are crazy fundamentalists (christian or not) who give any religion a bad name because of their wild political views. 

Or are you saying all christians are good people because that wouldn't be correct either, not in any universe known to mankind is any religious group full of only good people.