‘Whoa, F— You, Dude’: The Shocking Gift (Image Credits: Cdn01.justjared.com)
Margot Robbie recently shared a jarring anecdote from her nascent Hollywood days that underscored the subtle pressures women face in the industry.[1][2]
‘Whoa, F— You, Dude’: The Shocking Gift
Robbie described the incident during a candid video interview. A male actor she worked with handed her a copy of Why French Women Don’t Get Fat.[1]
“Very, very early in my career, an actor I worked with, a male actor, gave me a book called Why French Women Don’t Get Fat, and it was essentially a book telling you to eat less,” she recounted.[1][2]
She interpreted the gesture as a pointed suggestion to slim down. “He essentially gave me a book to let me know that I should lose weight,” Robbie added. “I was like, ‘Wow.'”[2]
Her immediate reaction cut deeper. “I was like, ‘Whoa, f— you, dude,'” she revealed, capturing the raw sting of the moment.[1]
The actor remained unnamed, and Robbie noted the event occurred “really back in the day.” She expressed uncertainty about his current whereabouts, hinting he faded from prominence.[3]
Spilling the Tea in a Complex Chat
The story surfaced in a lighthearted yet revealing exchange with musician Charli XCX for Complex magazine. The pair fielded prompts on personal experiences, including the worst gifts they had received.[1]
Charli XCX responded with quick wit after Robbie’s tale. “Your career’s over, babe,” she quipped, glancing at the camera in jest about the actor’s fate.[2]
This conversation tied into promotion for their collaborative project. Charli XCX composed original music for Robbie’s starring role in Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of Wuthering Heights, set for theaters on February 13.[4]
Robbie portrays Catherine opposite Jacob Elordi’s Heathcliff in the reimagined gothic romance. The full interview is available on YouTube.[3]
Unpacking the Book and Industry Realities
Mireille Guiliano penned French Women Don’t Get Fat: The Secret of Eating for Pleasure in 2005. Marketed as a lifestyle guide, it promotes mindful eating over restrictive diets.[2]
Robbie’s early career aligned with the book’s release. She debuted professionally around 2007 in Australian television before breaking out in Hollywood with Pan Am in 2011 and The Wolf of Wall Street in 2013.[4]
- Neighbours (2008-2011): Soap opera breakout in Australia.
- Pan Am (2011-2012): U.S. TV debut.
- The Wolf of Wall Street (2013): Star-making role opposite Leonardo DiCaprio.
- Later hits: I, Tonya (2017), Barbie (2023).
The anecdote highlights persistent scrutiny on women’s bodies in entertainment, even decades ago.
From Slight to Silver Screen Powerhouse
Robbie has since amassed an Oscar nomination and producer credits. Her poise during the Wuthering Heights press tour drew acclaim, including a custom mourning bracelet inspired by the Brontë sisters.[2]
Director Emerald Fennell lauded her as possessing “otherworldly power.”[4] Robbie praised Elordi’s Heathcliff as rivaling legends like Laurence Olivier.
Key Takeaways
- Robbie turned an early insult into fuel for a stellar career.
- The incident spotlights outdated attitudes toward women in Hollywood.
- Her latest role in Wuthering Heights cements her enduring appeal.
Robbie’s forthrightness serves as a reminder of progress amid lingering challenges. What do you think about her story? Tell us in the comments.
