Rebecca Ferguson has taken a bold stand regarding an unsettling experience on set, choosing to keep the identity of the co-star who verbally berated her under wraps. In a candid interview, the star of *Dune* expressed that the essence of her story is not about pinpointing blame but rather about personal growth and empowerment.
A Harrowing Experience
Ferguson, 42, first shed light on the distressing encounter in February 2024, describing it as a moment that left her feeling vulnerable and shaken. During a cover feature in *Harper’s Bazaar*, she recounted how her unnamed co-star, labelled an “absolute idiot,” unleashed a torrent of criticism, leaving her in tears as she walked off set. “It wasn’t about the person. It was about me. It was so scary,” Ferguson explained, reflecting on her inability at the time to confront the individual privately.
In her view, the ongoing conversation around accountability in the workplace is crucial. “A lot of people say that we’ve become too woke, but I think, no, it’s great. The pendulum needs to swing to the other side so that we can find a balance,” she asserted, advocating for a more supportive environment for all actors.
Clearing the Air
Ferguson has made it clear that neither Hugh Jackman, her co-star in *The Greatest Showman*, nor Tom Cruise, with whom she worked on *Mission: Impossible*, is the culprit. She spoke fondly of Cruise, praising his professionalism and the safe atmosphere he fosters on set. “He’s a boy who just loves playing, and offers up a safe and professional set,” she noted, highlighting the importance of a nurturing working environment.
She also defended Ryan Reynolds, her co-star in *Life*, against speculation that he was involved. “I was f***ing furious when they were slagging off Ryan Reynolds. I loved working with him. He was f***ing amazing,” she exclaimed, reiterating that her intention was never to implicate anyone but to highlight the lessons learned from her experience.
Finding Her Voice
In a previous appearance on *Reign with Josh Smith*, Ferguson elaborated on the incident, stating that the outburst stemmed from the co-star’s own insecurities. “This person couldn’t get the scenes out,” she explained, acknowledging the emotional toll it took on her. “I stood there just breaking,” she admitted, recalling the painful moments when the co-star questioned her abilities in front of the entire crew.
However, she didn’t back down. Upon returning to work, Ferguson confronted the actor, stating, “You get off my set. I’m gonna work [with] a tennis ball, I never wanna see you again.” Her comments sparked a significant wave of support from fans and industry peers alike, including Dwayne Johnson, who expressed interest in discovering the identity of her aggressor. Despite the attention, Ferguson remains resolute in her decision not to reveal the person involved.
The Future Awaits
Ferguson is set to grace screens once more in the upcoming sci-fi thriller *Mercy*, directed by Timur Bekmambetov and starring Chris Pratt. The film imagines a world where advanced technology determines justice, and Ferguson plays a pivotal role as an AI judge. As she steps into this new character, it’s clear that her experiences have only strengthened her resolve to stand firm in her convictions.
Why it Matters
Ferguson’s story underscores the importance of speaking out against toxic behaviour in the workplace, especially in the competitive world of acting. By choosing not to name her co-star, she shifts the focus from blame to empowerment, encouraging others to reflect on their own experiences and fostering a culture of accountability and support. Her journey serves as a reminder that every voice matters and that standing up for oneself can inspire change within an industry often plagued by intimidation and fear.
