Keira Knightley Is Over Photoshopping—’I Think Women’s Bodies Are a Battleground’
Keira Knightley entered the entertainment industry when she was a young girl, becoming a young star in relatively short order. Knightley shot to worldwide prominence after she was cast in a leading role in the Disney blockbuster Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.
In the years since, Knightley has made a name for herself as an expert actor in period dramas – although she doesn’t shy away from a tough action role, either. Knightley is an outspoken advocate for women’s rights, and in 2014, at the peak of her fame, she spoke out against the use of Photoshop to alter the appearance of women’s bodies.
What did Keira Knightley say about Photoshop?
In 2014, Knightley appeared in an unedited topless photoshoot for Interview magazine. The shoot kickstarted Knightley’s interest in how the movie industry utilizes Photoshop in order to distort the appearance of women’s bodies.
According to a 2014 interview with The Times, Knightley discussed the photoshoot, revealing why it influenced her to ultimately take a strong stand against Photoshop. “I’ve had my body manipulated so many different times for so many different reasons, whether it’s paparazzi photographers or for film posters,” Knightley said.
“That (shoot) was one of the ones where I said: ‘OK, I’m fine doing the topless shot so long as you don’t make them any bigger or retouch.’ Because it does feel important to say it really doesn’t matter what shape you are.”
She went on to note “I think women’s bodies are a battleground and photography is partly to blame. Our society is so photographic now, it becomes more difficult to see all of those different varieties of shape.”
What is Keira Knightley doing these days?
In recent years, Knightley has continued to pursue work in period dramas – while also choosing roles in independent and biographical films as well. Since 2013, Knightley has been married to musician James Righton. The two share two young daughters, born in 2015 and 2019. Knightley tends to live a low-profile life when not working on a film project, and is not active on social media.
She’s been an outspoken advocate regarding motherhood, as well. Knightley has openly discussed the importance of prioritizing affordable childcare and has stressed the importance of paid family leave, paternity leave, and proper maternal healthcare. While Knightley might have entered the spotlight as a beautiful teen star, over the years, she has displayed her maturity and dedication to always doing the right thing.
What is Keira Knightley best known for?
Keira Knightley was born in England in 1985. Knightley was passionate about acting at a very early age, and by the time she was 10 years old, she had started working with a talent agent in order to land roles in movie projects, according to IMDb. When Knightley was a teenager, she was cast in the science-fiction epic Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace. Although her role was small, it opened the door for more work in Hollywood, including parts in movies like Bend It Like Beckham in 2002.
2003 was a big year for Knightley, as she appeared in Pirates of the Caribbean as well as the romantic comedy Love Actually. While still in her teenage years, Knightley was dubbed as one of the entertainment industry’s most promising young stars. She went on to appear in films like Pride & Prejudice, The Duchess, and The Imitation Game, receiving critical acclaim for her ability to effortlessly inhabit characters from different centuries.
