Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Brooke Shields

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Brooke Shields.

Brooke Shields is an American actress and model who began her career as a child. She gained significant attention at the age of 12 for her role in the film *Pretty Baby*, which included nude scenes shot when she was 11. Shields continued modeling into her late teens and starred in dramas such as *The Blue Lagoon* and *Endless Love* in the 1980s, establishing herself as a prominent figure in entertainment and pop culture.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

1978: Release of Pretty Baby

The 1978 release of the film Pretty Baby, in which Brooke Shields was filmed nude and in sexual situations as a child actor, led to intense media scrutiny.

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1989: Coming out against the fur industry

Despite coming out against the fur industry in 1989, Brooke Shields later went on to create her own mink fur coat at Kopenhagen Fur.

May 2005: Tom Cruise's condemnation of Shields' use of Paxil

In May 2005, Tom Cruise publicly condemned Brooke Shields for using and speaking in favor of the antidepressant drug Paxil, leading to a public dispute. Cruise questioned her career and sanity. Shields responded by calling Cruise's remarks "irresponsible" and "dangerous".

July 1, 2005: Publication of 'War of Words' op-ed

On July 1, 2005, Brooke Shields responded to Tom Cruise's attacks with an op-ed titled "War of Words", published in The New York Times. She defended her use of medication for postpartum depression and advocated for its social acceptance.