Jessie Buckley said she experienced unfair objectification at a time when she was still growing and trying to move into a space for herself. The Irish actress has since become a Hollywood star and is tipped to win a string of best actress prizes in the current film awards season for her performance in Hamnet.
Speaking about the experience, Buckley said she felt scrutinized and shaped by forces beyond her control, with criticism delivered in a way that felt more destructive than constructive. She described the environment as one that prioritized entertainment over care, leaving little room for emotional safety or artistic growth.
Buckley’s comments add to a growing conversation about the toll reality television can take on participants, especially young performers thrust into the spotlight. In recent years, several former contestants across various shows have spoken out about mental health struggles linked to public voting, harsh critiques, and intense media exposure.
Despite the difficult experience, Buckley has gone on to build one of the most respected acting careers of her generation, earning acclaim for roles that showcase vulnerability, complexity, and emotional depth. She has previously credited time, training, and distance from the reality TV format with helping her reclaim confidence in her craft.
She added that she was not fully well and was depressed at the time she took part. Buckley said she experienced her treatment on the show as a lot of body shaming and being brought to a femininity school. And I was growing into my body, she continued. I was 17. I was in a moment of discovery. As women, it’s such unfair objectification.
