Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Brooke Shields

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 14, 2026

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

Brooke Shields is an American actress and current president of the Actors' Equity Association. Beginning her career as a child model at 11 months old, she gained significant attention for her controversial role in the film Pretty Baby (1978), which featured nude scenes shot when she was 11. Shields continued modeling and starred in dramas like The Blue Lagoon (1980) and Endless Love (1981) during her late teens.

Sections (4)

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

1978: Release of Pretty Baby film

In 1978, the film Pretty Baby was released, in which Brooke Shields, as a child actor, was filmed nude and in sexual situations.

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1989: Coming out against the fur industry

In 1989, Brooke Shields came out against the fur industry, but later created her own mink fur coat at Kopenhagen Fur.

May 2005: Tom Cruise's criticism of Brooke Shields' use of Paxil

In May 2005, Tom Cruise criticized Brooke Shields, for using the antidepressant Paxil to treat her postpartum depression.

July 1, 2005: "War of Words" op-ed in The New York Times

On July 1, 2005, Brooke Shields responded to Tom Cruise's criticism with an op-ed titled "War of Words" in The New York Times, defending her use of medication for postpartum depression.

August 31, 2006: Tom Cruise Apologizes to Brooke Shields

On August 31, 2006, Tom Cruise apologized in person to Brooke Shields for his remarks about her use of antidepressants, and she accepted his apology.

January 2023: Inspiration for Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields documentary

The film Pretty Baby inspired the January 2023 documentary Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields.

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October 2025: Criticism of Casa Bonita and Labor Strike

In October 2025, Brooke Shields singled out South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone for unfair wages and unsafe working conditions at their restaurant Casa Bonita.