Keira Knightley Remembers ‘Public Shaming’ Due to Pirates of the Caribbean Franchise

Keira Knightley has candidly opened up about the difficult period she faced regarding her body image while starring in the Pirates of the Caribbean film series. In an interview with The Times of London, the Oscar-nominated actress revealed how she largely erased from her memory the public shaming she endured during and after her role as Elizabeth Swann.

Early Fame at 17 in Pirates of the Caribbean

At just 17 years old, Knightley played Elizabeth Swann in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl in 2003. The massive success of the film led to two sequels: Dead Man’s Chest in 2006 and At World’s End in 2007. While the Pirates franchise was a major box office hit, it also brought intense media scrutiny, especially regarding Knightley’s weight and unsubstantiated rumors about eating disorders.

Dealing with Media Scrutiny and Public Embarrassment

Knightley shared with The Times that she doesn’t remember the “classic trauma” from that time. “There was a complete erasure, and then some things will come up, and suddenly I have a very real memory of it because, ultimately, it’s public shame, isn’t it?” she reflected. “It was part of my psyche, considering how young I was when it happened. I was molded around it.”

Support System Amidst the Pressure

Despite these challenges, Knightley considers herself “incredibly lucky” to have had a strong support system, including family, friends, and “lovely boyfriends,” who helped her cope with the bullying from the press. However, the constant scrutiny of her weight continued to surface in interviews, sometimes in shocking ways.

A Shocking Question About Eating Disorders

Knightley recalled one particularly disturbing incident during a press tour when she was asked about a twin from the Olsen sisters suffering from anorexia. “I clearly remember one of the Olsen twins being anorexic and having to go to a clinic. I was asked about it on a press tour, as if it were a joke. She was shameful for seeking help for her anorexia. I sat there thinking, ‘Oh, this is crazy.’ Can you imagine?” Knightley said. “It really moved me. It wasn’t even about me; it was about her. I still can’t bear it.”

Reflecting on the Paradox of Pirates of the Caribbean

Although Knightley later received critical acclaim for her roles in films like Atonement and Pride and Prejudice, which earned her an Oscar nomination, she has reflected on the complex impact of the Pirates films. “It’s funny how something that makes you successful also brings you down at the same time,” she said. “I was trashed because of them, but because they did so well, I was given the opportunity to do films that ultimately led to my Oscar nomination. They were the most successful films I’ve ever been part of, and that’s why I was publicly shamed. So, it’s a very chaotic place in my head.”

Knightley’s journey showcases the pressures of fame and the emotional toll it can take, especially when scrutinized for aspects beyond her control.