In 1993, a then-14-year-old Natalie Portman appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman.
Taking a turn from what was supposed to be a light-hearted interview with a young up-and-coming actress, Portman accused Letterman of “corrupting the youth of America.”
Initiating the exchange, which is still talked about today, Letterman asked Natalie about her role in the film “Leon: The Professional.”
In the film, Portman portrays a 12-year-old girl taken in by a hitman (played by Jean Reno).
Letterman asked Portman if she thought the film was “too sexy” for her.
Portman responded by saying that she didn’t think the film was sexy at all, and that she thought it was actually a very dark and disturbing film. She then went on to accuse Letterman of being part of the problem, saying that he was “corrupting the youth of America” with his late-night talk show.
The Audience’s Reaction:
The audience was stunned into silence. Letterman, clearly taken aback, stammered for a few seconds before trying to laugh off the comment. But Portman was serious. She continued to make her point, saying that Letterman’s show was full of “sex and violence” and that it was having a negative impact on young people.
The interview ended abruptly, with Letterman thanking Portman for coming on the show and then quickly cutting to commercial.
The interview quickly became a national sensation.
Some praised Portman for speaking out against the negative influence of television on young people.
Others criticized her for being disrespectful to Letterman and for trying to act like an adult when she was still a child.
Regardless of the reaction, there is no doubt that the interview was a turning point in Portman’s career. It showed that she was not afraid to speak her mind, even when it meant going up against a powerful figure like Letterman.
Portman’s Allegations:
Notably, Portman’s accusation against Letterman had some foundation.
In the early 1990s, late-night talk shows were often full of crude humor and sexual innuendo.
Its risque jokes and suggestive sketches made Letterman’s show, in particular, known.
In the years since the interview, Letterman has apologized for his behavior on the show. He has said that he regrets some of the things he said and did, and that he is no longer the same person he was in the 1990s.
Portman, on the other hand, has never apologized for her comments. She has said that she stands by what she said, and that she believes it is important for young people to speak out against injustice.
The interview between Natalie Portman and David Letterman is a reminder that even the most seemingly innocuous late-night talk show can have a profound impact on young people. It is also a reminder that it is important to speak up for what you believe in, even when it is difficult.