Mara Wilson Discusses Childhood Exploitation Experience
Mara Wilson, known for her childhood roles in films like *Matilda* and *Mrs. Doubtfire*, has become an outspoken advocate against childhood exploitation. Despite achieving fame at just five years old, Wilson’s rise to stardom came with significant challenges and dangers.
Mara Wilson’s Experience with Childhood Exploitation
Wilson, who first garnered attention in the 1990s, has openly discussed her experiences with sexual exploitation. In a 2017 essay for *Elle*, she revealed that by middle school, she had encountered foot fetish websites and inappropriate attention from adult men. Her concerns for younger actors, particularly Millie Bobby Brown, have also been evident.
Millie Bobby Brown and Public Perception
- Milly Bobby Brown gained fame at age 11, starring in *Stranger Things*.
- Wilson expressed her worries about how young celebrities are treated by the public.
Seeing a tweet about Brown at 13, Wilson reflected on how adult comments often sexualize young girls, prompting her concern as a former child star.
The Impact of Fame on Young Actors
In a 2021 op-ed for *The New York Times*, Wilson recounted being sexualized as a child. She recalled that even in interviews from age six, topics surrounding boyfriends and inappropriate questions were common. Her experience highlights a troubling trend in the treatment of child actors.
Online Exploitation and AI Concerns
In a revealing 2023 essay for *The Guardian*, Wilson shared her fears surrounding technology. She described the painful experience of discovering manipulated images of herself online at age 12. These instances demonstrated how the internet could facilitate exploitation.
- Wilson noted, “I was sexually exploited by strangers.”
- She described facing harassment from grown men sending creepy letters.
- Wilson emphasized the danger of accessibility brought about by fame and the internet.
Wilson expressed the urgent need for legislation to protect children. She called for technological safeguards to prevent the creation and distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and highlighted the responsibility of parents to protect their children’s images online.
Taking Action Against Exploitation
In her conclusion, Wilson forcefully asserted that society must take action to combat the threats faced by young actors. She urged for a collective effort to ensure the safety of children in the public eye.
Her reflections shed light on the urgent issue of childhood exploitation in the entertainment industry and online. For anyone who has experienced sexual assault, help is available through the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE. Concerned individuals can reach out to the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.
