Featured Image Credit: Instagram/@brookeshields/John Nacion/WWD via Getty Images
Topics: Celebrity, US News, Brooke Shields, Beauty, Health
Rhianna Benson
Topics: Celebrity, US News, Brooke Shields, Beauty, Health
Despite exposing her gynaecologist for performing an intimate surgery on her without her consent, Brooke Shields insists she won't be taking the matter to court.
The much-loved actress is set to lift the lid on her harrowing encounter in her incoming tell-all memoir, and as such, she's been discussing the incident with press this week in the hope of reassuring other violation victims.
After years of agony caused by the extreme lengths of her labia, 59-year-old Shields one day made the decision to undergo a labiaplasty.
Advert
As will be recalled in her upcoming book, her teenage years were plagued by chafing and bleeding.
As such, in the years that followed, after she and husband Chris Henchy welcomed their two children - daughters Rowan, 21, and Grier, 18 - one of Shield's 'wonderful' doctors suggested she go under the knife to prevent any further friction.
She had no idea at the time, however, that the medic would go on to throw in a 'little bonus' during the procedure in the form of a full-fledged vaginal rejuvenation.
A considerably more extreme procedure that a labiaplasty, this surgery sees the female genital tissues surrounding the vagina tightened, reshaped, or reduced entirely, often in a bid to increase sexual satisfaction.
"It felt like such an invasion — such a bizarre, like, rape of some kind," she admitted.
"Nothing pointed toward this need to be tighter or smaller or firmer or younger, especially there."
As we say, however, Shields insists she won't be taking the matter any further - either by naming and shaming the medic in question, or by seeking legal compensation for the turmoil he's put her through.
Sadly, however, it is the mistreatment she has faced throughout the matter that has pushed her to leaving it to rest.
"I thought, I don’t want anybody else telling me what I have to do," she confessed.
So, why come forward?
Well, after keeping her horror a secret for 'the longest time' - even from her husband - she suddenly came to the realisation that she has nothing to be ashamed of.
Despite fear that her revelation was 'too graphic or simply TMI', she hopes to reassure other victims of similar violations that no fault lies with them, writing in her book: "If we are to change the way we approach and talk about women’s health.
"Then we need to bring up the uncomfortable but very real issues."
Shields went on on to confess: "I’d be lying if I said I’m not embarrassed, to share this very intimate information.
"But, if we are to change the way we approach and talk about women’s health, then we need to bring up the uncomfortable but very real issues.
"Shame is no longer an option."