Tom Cruise expressed regret to Brooke Shields for his negative comments, memoir reveals
Do you remember Tom Cruise’s controversial remarks on the “Today” show concerning Brooke Shields and her decision to use antidepressants for postpartum depression?
It appears he later did extend an apology, as Shields mentions in her new memoir titled “Brooke Shields is Not Allowed to Get Old.”
During a 2005 interview with Matt Lauer, Cruise critiqued Shields’ book “Down Came the Rain,” which she authored to help parents grappling with postpartum depression feel “not faulty, broken, or inadequate” as mothers, as she recounts in her upcoming book.
What began as a promotional interview for “War of Worlds” escalated into a tense discussion where Cruise criticized Shields for her use of antidepressants, accusing her of disseminating “misinformation” and asserting, “There’s no such thing as a chemical imbalance.”
Tom Cruise apologized to Brooke Shields regarding his remarks on postpartum depression
The entire experience left Shields feeling “gobsmacked,” she reflects in her memoir, noting that Cruise’s opinion was “an interesting perspective from someone who doesn’t have ovaries.”
In response to the interview, Shields wrote an op-ed for The New York Times titled “War of Words.” Now, two decades later, she recalls Cruise arriving at her home to offer an apology.
“Not publicly, which would have been the honorable thing to do, but he came to my house and expressed his remorse, saying he felt pressured by Matt Lauer and lashed out at me because he could,” she writes. “It wasn’t the best apology ever, but it was what he was able to give, and I accepted it.”
Shields also considers the positive outcome of what she terms “Cruise-gate:” In 2007, she provided testimony to Congress advocating for “The Mothers Act,” legislation aimed at addressing postpartum depression through research and support initiatives.
“His lack of understanding on this matter motivated women to stand up and demand their rights and tackle issues concerning their bodies,” she states.
Shields’ latest memoir also delves into themes of confidence and joy in the aging process, promoting the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare and candid discussions about menopause.
Clare Mulroy is the Books Reporter for YSL News, where she discusses trending releases, interviews authors, and explores the reading culture. Follow her on Instagram, check out her recent articles, or share your reading list with her at cmulroy@usatoday.com.
