Hollywood isn’t all glitz and glam – as Haley Lu Richardson reveals, there’s a darker side that many women face. The star recently opened up about the gender bias that lurks behind the scenes, sharing that her time on the "Ponies" set with Emilia Clarke was a rare and refreshing change. In a candid chat with HT City, Richardson discussed the ever-present misogyny in the industry, noting that her experiences often diverge starkly from those of her male peers.
“It just depends on the environment you are in and the person you are across from. But sometimes I get a hit of misogyny, and it hits that ‘woah, it still exists, it’s all around’ feeling,”
Richardson explained, shedding light on the pervasive issue.
Richardson didn’t hold back, reflecting on the contrasts she’s seen through her interactions in Hollywood. "Through guys that I have worked with or dated in this industry, I have seen that they have had a different experience than me. Every individual obviously has a different experience, but there are things that I’ve experienced differently because I am a woman," she revealed. The disparity hit hard when a former actor boyfriend seemed oblivious, asking, "That’s a thing? That’s a problem?" Yet, for Richardson, these challenges are all too real.
Despite the challenges, there’s a silver lining. Richardson’s experience working with Emilia Clarke on "Ponies" was a breath of fresh air. Calling Clarke her "safest" co-star, Richardson praised the environment they created together. "It’s such a safe environment with her that sometimes, we would just look at each other, and I would feel calmer and safer," she shared. The duo's bond was so strong that words weren’t always necessary – just being in each other's presence was enough to feel rejuvenated.
The show "Ponies," a buddy spy thriller, features the duo as secretaries-turned-spies embroiled in a web of intrigue. Currently streaming on JioHotstar, the series takes viewers on a thrilling ride, showcasing both their acting prowess and undeniable chemistry.