Lena Headey Blasts Hollywood’s Protection of Predatory Men and Reflects on 'Game of Thrones' Nudity Backlash

Lena Headey, the Emmy-nominated actress known for her role in "Game of Thrones," recently laid all cards on the table in an unfiltered interview with The Telegraph. The actress shed light on untoward Hollywood practices and her unexpected backlash over nudity on the "Game of Thrones".

Headey, who previously accused Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein of sexually harassing her at the Venice Film Festival in 2005, reflected on her decision to confront him. “We walked to the lift, and the energy shifted,” she once said. “My whole body went into high alert. I told Harvey, ‘I’m not interested in anything other than work…'"

Speaking about the pervasive power dynamic in Hollywood, Headey went on, "The weird protection that we offer predatory men in the business because of the disproportionate power they wield, set against the need among vulnerable actresses to work-to get the job-it makes me very angry."

Headey also candidly discussed the initiation rites most budding actresses had to endure. Reflecting her initial naivety, she said, "They’d call them the ingenue parts, to make it sound nicer. And when it came to those moments, I don’t think I even questioned that I should be safe."

Headey expressed surprise over the backlash for her "Game of Thrones" character Cersei's nudity scene in Season 5, which utilized a body double and CGI. Some fans felt deceived and scorned Headey on social media. Shocked by the outrage, Headey defended her decision to maintain emotional integrity for her character, "By that point everyone knew [the cast], acting requires a lot of you and I wouldn’t have been able to do the emotional part of the job."

Headey dismissed those who thought less of her acting skills because of the decision to use a body double. "Some people thought I was less of an actress because I didn’t get my tits out. I’ve done nudity. I’m not averse to it.", adding she had to be vulnerable to deliver an emotionally authentic performance and that her character wouldn't have been angry - "I did what I thought she would do, emotionally."

This revealing conversation with Lena Headey provides insight on the glaring issue of imbalanced power dynamics, sexual harassment, and the incredible pressure that often comes with Hollywood stardom.