Call Her Daddy
Call Her Daddy
"The two people who love me the most have lied to me about who I am and about where this body comes from." — Kerry Washington
"My body, my bodily autonomy, my ability to decide how and when I start a family, that needs to be mine." — Kerry Washington
"It's so much easier we can read something on a paper we can ingest it in a lecture but when you are in a moment and you are living it and that is why unfortunately really mainly primarily only women will be able to relate to this when people like why don't you just say no it's like when you are in that moment and there is so much going on in your brain and not going on in your body because you're disassociating and you're like removing yourself it is close to impossible to be able to create a strong boundary because a lot of the times it is easier to just go with what is happening whether it's for safety or whatever it be." — Kerry Washington
This episode features a candid conversation between Alex Cooper and Kerry Washington, delving into the cultural impact of Washington's role as Olivia Pope in "Scandal." Washington shares her personal connection to the character, the pressures of being a trailblazer for Black women in lead network drama roles, and her journey from contemplating quitting acting to becoming a producer and advocate. The discussion highlights the duality of public persona versus private reality, a theme that resonates with Washington's upcoming project, "Imperfect Women."
A significant portion of the conversation focuses on Washington's advocacy for reproductive rights, stemming from her personal experience with abortion, which she discussed in her memoir. She emphasizes the importance of bodily autonomy and the need to destigmatize conversations around women's reproductive health. The dialogue also explores the complexities of family secrets, with Washington recounting the revelation that her father was not her biological father and how this discovery informed her understanding of love, truth, and self-acceptance.
The episode concludes with discussions on maintaining a strong personal identity amidst public scrutiny, the power of women supporting women, navigating career and motherhood, and the essential elements of healthy relationships. Washington's insights offer a powerful reflection on resilience, self-discovery, and the ongoing pursuit of authenticity in all aspects of life.