Grier Learns of Her Mother’s Trauma Through ‘Pretty Baby’
Brooke Shields’ younger daughter, Grier, recalled learning about her mother’s sexual assault for the first time when she watched the actress’s 2023 documentary “Pretty Baby.”
The two-part series took an all-encompassing look at Shields’ career and detailed the intense media scrutiny and sexual objectification she faced as the star of the controversial movies “Pretty Baby” and “The Blue Lagoon.”
In “Pretty Baby,” which premiered February 2023 at the Sundance Film Festival, Shields, 59, revealed for the first time she had been raped in her 20s by an unnamed industry professional. This revelation took not only the world by storm but also rattled her family, particularly Grier.
Shocking Revelations and Family Dynamics
During a heartfelt interview with People magazine, Grier reflected on her initial reactions. “I was learning about things the same time that the world was,” she shared, her voice marked with emotion. “I just took it more deeply and personally, I couldn’t even get through it.”
Shields, who shares her two daughters with her husband Chris Hency, acknowledged the disparity in knowledge between her children; while Rowan was aware of the assault, Grier was left in the dark. “I didn’t prepare her,” the model admitted, revealing her regret. She explained that her intention was to instill an understanding of the sexualization of women in the industry. However, she mistakenly thought a healthy family environment would result in a positive reaction to her past.
A Mother’s Regret and Reflection
The two-time Golden Globe Award nominee expressed sorrow over not having discussed her history with Grier prior to the documentary’s release. It was a moment that exposed a painful division in their family dynamic.
“I told her, ‘but there’s a happy ending,'” Shields recounted. But Grier’s response struck a chord with her mother: “I will never be okay with thinking something bad happened to you.” In that moment, Grier missed the silver lining Shields had tried to convey. Instead, she felt overwhelmed by a sense of helplessness. “As a mom, we make mistakes and sometimes we make assumptions,” Shields reflected.
Growing Through Adversity
“To see the documentary or to see your parents as a public figure that other people have opinions on is just an odd situation,” Shields noted, grappling with the complexities of family and public perception. Her revelation serves as a reminder that even glimmering silver screens hide dark truths.
“Part of being a mom is learning from your kids,” she highlighted, acknowledging the lessons she’s absorbed from her own daughters. It’s a poignant reminder that vulnerabilities shape their relationships in profound ways.
“Pretty Baby” premiered on Hulu in April 2023. In a prior interview with People, Shields candidly reflected on her decision to share her assault story. “It’s taken me this long to process it… I was never ready prior,” she admitted, underscoring how trauma uniquely impacts each individual across different timelines. “It just felt like the right time now.”
In an interconnected world where silence often shadows trauma, Shields’ commitment to sharing her experience opens a dialogue about healing, family, and the delicate balance of public life versus private pain. Random fact: Did you know that trauma can result in heightened sensitivity to emotional cues in one’s environment? It’s a testament to how deeply personal experiences influence not only individuals but also their relationships with those they love.
