Jodie Foster, Kristen Stewart Defence: Media Destroys 'Sense of Self' (VIDEO)
Jodie Foster has come forward in defense of Kristen Stewart, suggesting that the current "media culture" is a venomous trap that is far beyond simply crossing the line.
Foster, 49, worked with Kristen Stewart when she was 10 going on 11 while filming "The Panic Room." During that time, in close confines described by Foster as a "a Manhattan closet," the actress claims that she built an affection for Stewart that has remained long-lasting.
"We talked and laughed for hours, sharing spontaneous mysteries and venting our boredom," Foster wrote in an essay for the Daily Beast, which was published on Wednesday. "I grew to love that kid."
Get Our Latest News for FREE
Stewart has been the subject of media scrutiny over the past few weeks after pictures surfaced of her in an intimate embrace with "Snow White and the Huntsman" director Rupert Sanders. Stewart later confessed and then publicly apologized for partaking in an affair.
"I'm deeply sorry for the hurt and embarrassment I've caused to those close to me and everyone this has affected," Stewart said in a statement at the end of July. "This momentary indiscretion has jeopardized the most important thing in my life, the person I love and respect the most, Rob."
Foster, however, has defended the actress by stating that the media microscope is overreaching and not a part of the job description as an actor or actress.
"Actors who become celebrities are supposed to be grateful for the public interest. After all, they're getting paid," Foster wrote. "Just to set the record straight, a salary for a given on-screen performance does not include the right to invade anyone's privacy, to destroy someone's sense of self."
Foster also claims that she has been considered by many as a role model for keeping some semblance of a "normal" life while also balancing a successful career. But Foster believes that times have changed and that even she would not survive the current atmosphere.
"If I were a young actor today I would quit before I started," Foster wrote. "If I had to grow up in this media culture, I don't think I could survive it emotionally."
The actress also added her admiration of Stewart for maintaining her composure despite the number of cameras in her face.
"A beautiful young woman strides down the sidewalk alone, head down, hands drawn into fists. She's walking fast, darting around huge men with black cameras thrusting at her mouth and chest," Foster paints the picture. "The young woman doesn't cry. F--- no."
"Don't let them take that away from you," Foster finishes the letter.
