Sharon Stone Alleges Producer Robert Evans Encouraged Her to Sleep with Co-Star for Film Success
Sharon Stone recently made shocking allegations on “The Louis Theroux Podcast,” claiming that producer Robert Evans had advised her to have a sexual relationship with her co-star Billy Baldwin in order to save their film, “Sliver.” Stone, known for her role in the blockbuster hit “Basic Instinct,” revealed that Evans wanted better chemistry between Stone and Baldwin onscreen, believing it would improve the film’s performance.
Stone vividly recalled an encounter with Evans, where he shared his sexual exploits with Ava Gardner and suggested that a sexual relationship with Baldwin would enhance their onscreen chemistry. Stone expressed her discomfort with the situation, stating, “The real problem was me, because I was so uptight, and so not like a real actress who could just fuck him and get things back on track. The real problem was, I was such a tight ass.”
Following Stone’s podcast appearance, Billy Baldwin responded on X (formerly Twitter), questioning why Stone continued to talk about him after all these years. Baldwin’s tweet hinted at past advances from Stone and claimed to have incriminating information about her. Variety has reached out to Baldwin’s representative for further comment.
Stone’s revelations shed light on the pressures faced by actresses in the industry and the discriminatory and exploitative practices they endure. Unfortunately, her experience isn’t isolated. Stone also recounted instances of sexual harassment in her career, including a former Sony executive exposing himself to her during a meeting in the 1980s. She spoke about her encounters with abusive men in power, including Harvey Weinstein, who was convicted as a rapist and is now serving time in jail.
Robert Evans, who passed away in 2019 at the age of 89, was a renowned producer, known for his involvement in iconic films such as “Rosemary’s Baby,” “Love Story,” and “The Godfather.” Stone first wrote about the “Sliver” incident in her 2021 memoir, “The Beauty of Living Twice,” without disclosing Evans’ identity. The memoir also detailed her frustrations with being pressured into engaging in sexual relationships to bring success to a film.
Potential Future Trends and Recommendations for the Industry
Stone’s courageous revelations highlight the ongoing battle against sexual harassment and discrimination in the entertainment industry. As the industry continues to face scrutiny and demand change, several potential future trends and recommendations can be identified:
- Increased accountability: The industry needs to hold individuals accountable for their abusive and exploitative behavior. This includes not only empowering victims to speak out but also enforcing stricter consequences for perpetrators.
- Support for victims: Providing comprehensive support systems for victims of harassment and abuse is essential. This includes access to counseling, legal assistance, and platforms to share their stories without fear of retaliation.
- Diversity and inclusion: The industry must continue striving for greater diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all voices are represented and respected. This includes promoting equal opportunities for underrepresented groups and challenging the status quo.
- Education and awareness: Creating educational programs and initiatives that raise awareness about sexual harassment, consent, and professional boundaries is vital. By fostering a culture of respect and understanding, the industry can work towards preventing such incidents from occurring in the first place.
- Industry-wide policies: Implementing industry-wide policies that prioritize the safety and well-being of all professionals can help combat sexual harassment. These policies should outline clear reporting procedures, mechanisms for investigation, and consequences for those found guilty.
It is crucial for the entertainment industry to address these issues head-on and create an environment that values the dignity and rights of all individuals. Only through collective effort and ongoing commitment can we hope to eradicate the culture of abuse and exploitation that has persisted for far too long.
Listen to the full interview with Sharon Stone on “The Louis Theroux Podcast” here.