Margot Robbie is opening up about a particularly unwelcome gift she received early in her career: a weight-loss book. The actress, currently garnering praise for her work in “Wuthering Heights” and still riding high from the success of “Barbie,” recounted the incident in a recent interview with collaborator Charli XCX for Complex.
Robbie, 35, described receiving the book, Mireille Guiliano’s 2007 title “Why French Women Don’t Get Fat,” from a male co-star. She characterized the gesture as a blatant suggestion that she lose weight. “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 explained.
Her reaction, she said, was immediate and forceful. “And I was like, ‘Whoa, f–k you, dude,’” Robbie recalled. She added that the incident occurred “really back in the day” and she’s since lost touch with the actor, but the memory clearly remains vivid.
The anecdote highlights a persistent, and often unspoken, pressure on actresses to conform to specific body image standards within the entertainment industry. While Robbie has consistently maintained a healthy and fit physique, the unsolicited advice from her co-star underscores the problematic nature of commenting on, or attempting to control, another person’s body. The book itself, despite being marketed as a guide to healthy living, focuses heavily on restrictive eating habits, a point noted in its Amazon description which states it’s “not a diet book” but rather an approach to “healthy living.”
Robbie’s story comes at a time of increased awareness surrounding body image and the pressures faced by women in Hollywood. The “Barbie” film, in which she starred and produced, actively challenged conventional beauty standards and sparked conversations about female empowerment and self-acceptance. Her willingness to speak out about this past experience adds another layer to that ongoing dialogue.
Currently, Robbie is captivating audiences with her portrayal of Cathy Earnshaw in the latest adaptation of Emily Brontë’s “Wuthering Heights,” alongside Jacob Elordi. The film has generated significant buzz, not only for its performances but also for Robbie’s stunning press tour wardrobe, which has included a striking homage to the Brontë sisters themselves.
At the UK premiere of “Wuthering Heights,” Robbie wore a bracelet crafted from a replica of a 175-year-old mourning bracelet originally owned by Charlotte Brontë. The original bracelet was created from the hair of her sisters, Emily and Anne, following their deaths in 1848 and 1849 respectively. The gesture was a poignant tribute to the literary legacy that informs her current role and a demonstration of her commitment to immersing herself in the world of the novel.
The incident with the weight-loss book, while frustrating, seems to have had little lasting impact on Robbie’s career trajectory. She has become one of the most sought-after actresses in Hollywood, consistently delivering compelling performances in a diverse range of projects. Her ability to navigate the industry while remaining true to herself, and now openly addressing uncomfortable experiences like this one, positions her as a powerful voice for change.
Charli XCX, responding to Robbie’s story during the interview, jokingly declared, “Your career’s over, babe,” a sentiment that reflects the widespread disapproval of unsolicited and body-shaming behavior. The incident serves as a reminder that even successful and confident individuals like Robbie are not immune to the pressures and microaggressions that can permeate the entertainment industry.
Robbie’s current focus remains on promoting “Wuthering Heights,” a project that clearly holds significant artistic weight for her. Her dedication to the role, evidenced by her thoughtful engagement with the source material and her striking fashion choices, suggests a deep respect for the story and its enduring themes. The film is currently in theaters and is receiving positive reviews for its performances and atmospheric adaptation of the classic novel.
