Why Megan Fox won’t share her own #MeToo stories

In an interview with The New York Times, Megan Fox explains why she won’t be adding her experiences to the Me Too movement.

The Me Too movement seems to only be gaining steam since it began last fall, influencing change and making a positive impact not just nationally and globally. Misogyny and rape culture run rampant everywhere in our society, from universities and 9-to-5 workplaces to the glittering realm of Hollywood.

Thanks to the Me Too movement, many celebrities have spoken up about their own experiences being assaulted or harassed, as well been candid about how these experiences have shaped them.  Reese Witherspoon, Gabrielle Union, America Ferrera and Terry Crews are just a few of the notable names who have come forth with their Me Too stories, while also using their platform  to raise awareness on these issues and possibly help others.

But, for each individual person, deciding how much to speak up about their own experience is a very personal decision.

Megan Fox recently shared her decision to not add her voice to the #MeToo movement for a few different reasons.

During an interview with The New York Times, where Fox also discussed her upcoming projects such as her new Travel Channel series, the actress explains that she absolutely does have stories about being harassed or assaulted. But she won’t be speaking up about them for a few reasons — and valid reasons we’d like add.

Fox tells The New York Times:

"I just didn’t think based on how I’d been received by people, and by feminists, that I would be a sympathetic victim. And I thought if ever there were a time where the world would agree that it’s appropriate to victim-shame someone, it would be when I come forward with my story."

Unfortunately, it is true that many victims are shamed and blamed for what happened to them, and this should never happen. But, deciding to come under public scrutiny for sharing private information about these issues is definitely difficult and something that no person should be required to do.

Fox explains that she doesn’t think people would react well to her or her stories saying “because of my experience, I feel it’s likely that I will always be just out of the collective understanding. I don’t know if there will ever be a time where I’m considered normal or relatable or likable.”

She adds that she doesn’t think it’s her job to push for justice, saying she would never be seen as “the universal hammer of justice.” Fox adds, “This is not to say that other people shouldn’t do what they feel is right. But in my circumstance, I don’t feel it’s my job to punish someone because they did something bad to me.”

While Megan Fox might not want to talk about her own experiences, she shares that she will absolutely pass on important lessons of respecting women to her sons.

When asked whether she is worried about how to raise good men in today’s society Fox says:

"I think about it a lot. I’m the window through which they see all women now. I’m the introduction to the divine feminine. And if they feel safe with me as the main woman in their life, it’s likely they’ll feel safe with women in general. If they see their father being respectful of me, it’s likely that that’s what they’ll think all men should do. It sounds simple. It’s probably not."

We applaud Megan Fox for coming forward — her explanation for not wanting to share her personal stories is as valid as those who do. It’s also heartbreaking to hear that she feels society wouldn’t accept her stories if she did come forth; we for one would commend her for doing so if she ever decides to.

Overall, we know these topics can be sensitive and complicated for everyone. Still, we hope that society continues to improve so that people will not be shamed or victim-blamed for sharing their truth.