Olivia Munn opened up about a “traumatic” experience on an unnamed movie set during an appearance on Monica Lewinsky’s podcast.Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky/YouTube
How Munn’s Upbringing Shaped Her Values
During the podcast, Munn shared that her childhood experiences of relentless bullying played a significant role in shaping her personality and values. She explained that being bullied caused her to become “really feisty” and develop a strong sense of justice. “So things were really black and white for me,” Munn explained. “I would make decisions without thinking them through enough. I just was like, ‘This is wrong, this is right,’ and I would never really be able to see the gray.”These experiences translated into her adult life and career, influencing how she navigates challenging situations. Munn noted that her unwavering sense of right and wrong has sometimes led her to make decisions impulsively, including how she handled the fallout from the incident on set.
A Traumatic Experience on Set
Munn described an extremely difficult situation while working on an unnamed movie project, calling it “so traumatic” that she felt compelled to file formal complaints with the studio.
Why She Refused the NDA
Despite the substantial financial offer, Munn immediately felt that signing the NDA was fundamentally wrong. “Not that I would ever have talked about it, truly, because I just wanted to move past it all,” she clarified. “But I said, ‘I’m not signing an NDA,’ and they said, ‘You have to,’ and I just felt that it was so wrong.”The actress explained that the timing of the incident made the situation even more upsetting. It occurred during the early days of the #MeToo and Time’s Up movements, a period when survivors of harassment and misconduct were stepping forward to expose systemic abuses of power in Hollywood.“This was, like, the reckoning, the Harvey Weinstein reckoning that began it all,” Munn said. She feared that signing the NDA would undermine her voice and allow the studio to discredit her. “I was concerned that the movie studio would leak out that I had signed an NDA for money in an effort to diminish my voice.”
A Defiant Decision
Despite pressure from the studio and lawyers, Munn ultimately made the difficult decision to reject the offer. She recalled turning to her lawyer and saying, “I’m not taking it. I want to say no now.” While her lawyer suggested thinking it through, Munn was resolute in her decision, refusing to compromise her principles for a payout.Munn admitted that her “feistiness” and frustration with the disrespectful offer drove her decision, but she has no regrets about how she handled the situation. She reflected on the moment, saying, “I know this is a lot of money to you, but it is not a lot of money to me to lose my voice.”Walking out of the meeting, Munn felt a profound sense of pride in standing her ground. “I remember feeling so proud when I walked out — so proud of myself,” she shared.
The Broader Implications
Munn’s story serves as a powerful example of the challenges women face in Hollywood, particularly when addressing misconduct and navigating systems that often prioritize self-preservation over accountability. Her decision to reject the NDA aligns with the values she developed from her childhood experiences, demonstrating her commitment to justice and speaking out, even when faced with substantial pressure and financial incentives.The actress also highlighted the pervasive fear during the #MeToo era of being discredited for signing NDAs. Survivors who accepted settlement offers were often accused of prioritizing money over justice, which added even more complexity to decisions like the one Munn faced.
Conclusion
Olivia Munn’s candid revelations about her traumatic experience on a movie set and her refusal to remain silent underscore her dedication to her principles and her role as an advocate for accountability in Hollywood. By rejecting a seven-figure payout that came with an NDA, Munn chose her voice and integrity over financial gain, setting an example for others in the industry.Her story also sheds light on the broader culture of silence in Hollywood and the pressures individuals face when standing up to powerful institutions. As the industry continues to reckon with its history of abuse and misconduct, stories like Munn’s are vital reminders of the importance of courage, resilience, and speaking out against injustice.
