In her latest book, Rose McGowan, the outspoken actress and activist, unveils a series of bombshell revelations that shed light on her tumultuous journey in Hollywood and beyond. Known for her fearless advocacy for women’s rights and her unwavering commitment to exposing systemic injustices, McGowan takes readers on a riveting exploration of her experiences in the entertainment industry.
From her early days as a rising star to her courageous role in the #MeToo movement, she pulls back the curtain on the dark underbelly of Hollywood, revealing the pervasive culture of abuse and misogyny she encountered. With unflinching honesty and raw vulnerability, McGowan’s revelations challenge societal norms and demand accountability from those in power. Her book serves as a powerful call to action, inspiring readers to confront injustice and strive for a more equitable world.
#1 She says she was first sexually assaulted in Hollywood when she was 14
Source: CBS
When McGowan was 14 years old and working as a film extra, she claims a man in his late 40s “jammed his tongue down my throat” and fondled her breasts. She alleges that after her father insisted that she pay $300 in rent each month, she accepted the job.
#2 She says Robert Rodriguez played mind games on her
Source: Rose McGowan via Facebook
In her book’s chapter titled “Destruction,” McGowan reveals details of her relationship with director Robert Rodriguez, known for films like “Spy Kids” and “From Dusk Till Dawn,” particularly during their collaboration on “Planet Terror.” Referred to as RR in the book, McGowan alleges that Rodriguez, 49, exploited her trust by incorporating a scene where Quentin Tarantino, portraying a character in his film, assaults McGowan’s character.
Feeling betrayed, McGowan expresses her distress, feeling she was losing her grip on reality. To compound matters, Rodriguez later sold their film to Weinstein’s company Miramax, which McGowan terms as “selling to my monster.” Rodriguez, however, disputed McGowan’s account in a statement to Vanity Fair, though he expressed support for her broader mission of advocating for change within the industry and beyond.
#3 She says she broke up with Marilyn Manson because she “grew exhausted” by the “lifestyle”
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McGowan and the rock star were engaged for two years before parting ways in 2001. In a statement during their split, she acknowledged the depth of their love but cited significant lifestyle differences as the reason for their separation. Expanding on this in her book, McGowan reveals that she grew weary of their relationship, expressing exhaustion with their lifestyle.
Despite her deep affection for Manson, she felt unable to continue. Post-breakup, she married Davey Detail in 2013, leading to divorce in 2016, while Manson, aged 49, was later romantically linked to Evan Rachel Wood and Dita Von Teese.
#4 She says she lied to the press about the real reason behind her plastic surgery
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In the late ’00s, media speculation swirled around McGowan’s changed appearance, with many assuming she had undergone cosmetic surgery. Initially, she attributed the transformation to reconstructive surgery after a car accident. However, her new book unveils a different truth. McGowan discloses that her altered appearance stemmed from a medical procedure gone awry.
While seeking treatment for a lifelong sinus issue, a surgeon inadvertently punctured the skin beneath her right eye, leading to a series of reconstructive surgeries. The mishap left her eye appearing “slightly pinched,” prompting additional surgery on her left eye for symmetry. Reflecting on her decision to mask the truth, McGowan admits she followed her publicists’ advice to attribute the change to a car accident, a narrative she maintained when questioned by the press.
#5 The infamous dress she wore to the 1998 MTV Video Music Awards had a purpose
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In the late ’00s, Rose McGowan’s appearance sparked widespread speculation of cosmetic surgery, initially attributed by the actress to reconstructive procedures post a car accident. However, her recent revelations in her book unveil a different truth. McGowan discloses that her changed appearance was actually the result of a medical procedure gone awry.
While seeking treatment for a lifelong sinus issue, a surgeon mistakenly punctured the skin beneath her right eye, necessitating reconstructive surgery. This mishap left her eye with a “slightly pinched” appearance, leading to additional surgery on her left eye for symmetry. Despite the reality, McGowan followed her publicists’ advice to maintain the car accident narrative, a decision she now questions in hindsight.
#6 She didn’t enjoy her time on Charmed
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Despite the success of WB’s Charmed, Rose McGowan departed from the show feeling exhausted and disheartened. During her five-year tenure from 2001 to 2006, McGowan recounts working with only one female director, who she witnessed being mistreated by the predominantly male crew.
Describing how the crew would disrespectfully snicker when the female director gave instructions, McGowan expresses regret for not advocating for her more. Reflecting on the situation, she admits to not fully grasping the dynamics at the time, as her focus was on her character’s storyline rather than the behind-the-scenes challenges.
#7 She says her first love was stabbed to death
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After breaking free from an abusive relationship with an older man that began when she was only 15, Rose McGowan found solace in her first genuine love with a club owner named Brett Cantor. However, their relationship was tragically cut short when Cantor was fatally stabbed, an incident that has haunted McGowan for years. Despite her efforts, the murder remains unsolved, leaving McGowan with lingering questions and a desire for closure that continues to elude her.