Billie Piper reveals that she was “oversexualised” during height of pop career

People


Billie Piper reveals that she was “oversexualised” during height of pop career

By Susan Devaney

8 years ago

Billie Piper has opened up about her treatment as a teen star during the height of her pop career in the Nineties. 

During her heyday as a pop star in the Nineties, Billie Piper had scored a Number One with her debut single, Because We Want To by the time she was 15-years-old.

Which is why, in the light of the #MeToo movement, Piper has spoken about her “oversexualised” treatment at the time and what she now believes to be “sanctioned pimping”.

Speaking about the current movement that was sparked by abuse allegations aimed at Harvey Weinstein, Piper argued that agents are equally responsible for the treatment of artists in the entertainment industries.

“I find the abuse of power really upsetting, but if I’m honest, what I find really sickening is all the agents subjecting their clients to it, knowing full well what’s going on,” Piper told The Sunday Times.

“Like sanctioned pimping. But at the same time, it comes in many shapes and sizes. It’s not just about [people in power] grabbing a tit, or saying, ‘show me your dick.’

“Let’s say I know a lot of headstrong actors and actresses wanting to get something, who wouldn’t say they’re victims of this.”

Piper admits that being “oversexualised” led her to wearing baggy clothes in a bid to cover up.

“I think that’s why, for so long, my desire to hide my body in baggy clothes took hold.

“I like girl’s clothes now because I feel in a better place, but the hangover from that time lasted a while.”

Piper - who is now an established TV actress - has previously spoken of her suffering from anorexia during her time as a music artist and even having contemplated suicide in her autobiography, Growing Pains, published in 2006.

Piper also called out the portrayal of feminism on social media accounts such as Instagram.

“I have my reservations [about the whole sisterhood thing on Instagram],” Piper said.

“Under the guise of being all supportive and there for each other, women can be very judgy and competitive, especially on social media.

“A lot of social media is about women looking really oversexed. That doesn’t feel like feminism to me. Like, this whole thing of ‘I’m liberated enough to bare my arse’ doesn’t remotely cut it with me.”

Images: Rex Features 

undefined

By signing up you agree to occasionally receive offers and promotions from Stylist. Newsletters may contain online ads and content funded by carefully selected partners. Don’t worry, we’ll never share or sell your data. You can opt-out at any time. For more information read Stylist’s Privacy Policy

Thank you!

You’re now subscribed to all our newsletters. You can manage your subscriptions at any time from an email or from a MyStylist account.