Cameron Diaz Opens Up About ‘Layers of Inappropriateness’ Before MeToo: “That One Guy Was Always Lurking”

Cameron Diaz reflects on how the MeToo movement transformed the film industry, making sets safer for women, and why she took a decade-long break from acting.

February 11, 2025: Cameron Diaz recently shared her thoughts on how the MeToo movement has drastically reshaped the environment on film sets. After a decade-long hiatus from acting, Diaz returned to the screen with Jamie Foxx in the Netflix film Back in Action, where they portray former CIA spies. Stepping away from her acting career in 2014, Diaz witnessed a major cultural shift in the entertainment industry with the rise of the MeToo movement, sparked by widespread allegations of sexual misconduct against film producer Harvey Weinstein.

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Diaz Reflects on Changes in Hollywood

In a conversation on the SkipIntro podcast, Diaz spoke about the noticeable differences she has observed upon her return to the industry. “The industry is so different,” she remarked. “I mean, I definitely have to say that MeToo changed everything.”

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Before the movement, Diaz recalled the uncomfortable presence of certain individuals on sets. “There was always just like that one guy, you know, on set, that you were like, ‘God, here he comes again,’” she shared. She explained how this type of behavior was widespread yet subtle in the industry. “There were always layers and layers of inappropriateness that you just kind of had to put up with.”

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A Safer Environment for Women

Diaz also emphasized the improvements in workplace culture, stating that women in Hollywood now feel significantly safer. “I was like, ‘Wow, that’s amazing.’ The level of security and safety you feel as a woman now on set is great. I had never felt that before this film.”

Her comments resonated with many, with online discussions echoing her sentiments. One commenter pointed out, “The older I get and as I find myself in different contexts and meet other people in different fields, I have realized that ‘that one guy’ is everywhere—film sets, music business, hospitals, universities, accounting firms, law firms, the military, etc. It seems like there has to be a huge MeToo case blowing up in every field before we get rid of just some of those ‘that one guy.’”

Another user commented, “And for every ‘that one guy,’ there’s another who enables, coddles, and defends him. Sometimes several. My respect for so many men dropped through the floor during MeToo after seeing the extent of cowardice many embraced just to avoid upsetting their peers.”

A third user added, “Considering so many movies and TV shows normalized some aspect of sexual harassment, this has always been so obvious to me. I'm glad things have finally changed. Incredible to think of the dynamic we may now see where women can go to work without constantly feeling like they have to deal with this.”

Why Diaz Took a Decade-Long Break

Beyond discussing the industry’s transformation, Diaz also explained why she stepped away from acting for a decade. Speaking at Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Summit, she revealed, “It felt like the right thing for me to reclaim my own life, and I just really didn’t care about anything else. Nobody’s opinion, nobody’s success, no one’s offer, no one’s anything could change my mind about my decision to take care of myself and build the life that I really wanted.”

During her break, Diaz focused on her personal life, marrying musician Benji Madden of Good Charlotte and becoming a mother of two. However, she was convinced to return to acting when Jamie Foxx approached her with an offer she couldn’t refuse. “I couldn’t say no,” she said about her decision to return for Back in Action.

Conclusion

Cameron Diaz’s candid conversation sheds light on the dramatic cultural shifts in Hollywood post-MeToo. While the movement has undeniably made sets safer and more respectful, Diaz’s reflections serve as a reminder of the industry’s dark past and the importance of continuing to uphold workplace safety and respect.

Tags: Cameron Diaz, MeToo Movement, Hollywood, Film Industry, Movie Sets, Back in Action, Jamie Foxx, Women in Film, Harvey Weinstein, Gender Equality, Workplace Harassment, Women’s Safety, Movie Industry Changes, Netflix, Celebrity Interviews