Nicole Kidman says being married to Tom Cruise protected her
What's the story
Nicole Kidman is a renowned name in Hollywood with critically acclaimed films like 'Eyes Wide Shut' to her name.
However, she feels that when she started off in the industry, she might have been exploited, but her marriage to Tom Cruise protected her.
Though she married for love, Cruise's power within the industry shielded her from sexual harassment.
Here's more on what she said.
The marriage
To fall in love with you
Kidman married Cruise in 1990 when she was just 22. The two met when they were cast together in 'Days of Thunder'.
Notably, Cruise was already a star by then with famous films like 'Top Gun', 'The Color of Money' and 'Rain Man' to his name.
The couple adopted a son and a daughter before their marriage dissolved after 11 years.
Protection
The added advantage of marrying a star
Kidman who is married to, and has two daughters with country singer Keith Urban, feels it is disrespectful to talk about her ex-husband Cruise and typically shies away from the topic.
However, she acknowledged that Cruise's power was what protected her from being sexually harassed in Hollywood.
Although she worked in the industry, she led a pretty cocooned life, shielded from its uglier side.
Kidman's experiences
#YesAllWomen: Nicole Kidman on #MeToo and sexual harassment
Though Cruise's protective power shielded Kidman in her early Hollywood days, she too faced instances of sexual harassment during her life.
Speaking of #MeToo and survivors coming out with experiences, Kidman said she was unwilling to discuss hers on media.
However, the actress wants to tap into her experiences for her roles, provided it is handled by people who won't abuse her raw emotions.
Opinion
Patriarchal recognition of a woman's identity
Kidman's account is a classic example of how patriarchy recognizes women's identity through male relations. A woman is always reduced to being someone's daughter, sister or wife.
Kidman's individuality was swapped for her identity as Cruise's wife, which protected her.
However, in the post-#MeToo world, women must be allowed to assert individual identities without being reduced to inter-patriarchal relationships, if we wish to progress.