Cher Exposes Hollywood Sexism: “They Treated Us Like Sh*t” on Set of Iconic Film

Cher has always been a force to be reckoned with, not just in the world of music but also in the film industry, where she solidified her place as one of Hollywood’s most talented and iconic actresses. Known for her groundbreaking performances in Moonstruck and Silkwood, Cher has built a career that spans decades, earning her critical acclaim and recognition across multiple platforms. Yet, despite her monumental success, she has not been immune to the sexism that has plagued Hollywood for years.

In a recent interview with Film Comment, Cher opened up about one of her most miserable movie experiences—working on the 1987 film The Witches of Eastwick. Directed by George Miller, the comedy, which featured a star-studded cast including Cher, Jack Nicholson, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Susan Sarandon, is remembered for its over-the-top performances and whimsical narrative. However, for Cher, the film left a sour taste that has lingered for decades.

Cher’s comments reflect the deep frustrations and sense of marginalization she and her co-stars felt on set. “They treated us like shit,” Cher bluntly recalled, pointing to the clear gender divide that existed between her and her male counterparts, particularly Nicholson. “If we wanted something, we had to go to Jack [Nicholson] because none of us were the kind of women that would go up and go, ‘Baby, baby, goo-gee-goo-gee, please give me something.’” In her view, the actresses were reduced to mere props in the grand production, overshadowed by the much-celebrated male star, Jack Nicholson, who was treated with the kind of deference reserved for the true stars of the film.

Cher didn’t hold back when discussing her experience with director George Miller, either. According to her, Miller was “totally unaware” of the struggles the female actors faced, further exacerbating the gender disparities that existed both on set and within the film industry at large. “It was like a scene out of Tootsie: Everybody was somebody, Jack was Jack, and we were ‘the girls’,” she said, highlighting the tokenization and infantilization that she and her co-stars endured throughout the production.

But it wasn’t just the director who was blind to the plight of the women on set. Cher, known for her unapologetic attitude and sharp wit, remarked that it was only Nicholson who seemed to understand their worth, even if the power dynamics of the set made it uncomfortable for the women to assert themselves. “At least we went to a man who feels that women are smarter and better than men,” Cher remarked, acknowledging Nicholson’s respect for the women around him. Nevertheless, the fact that they had to turn to a male co-star to have their voices heard was a painful reminder of the deeply ingrained sexism that permeated Hollywood during that era.

Cher’s frustration is not just with the specific incident of The Witches of Eastwick but also with the broader issue of systemic sexism in Hollywood. “This also touches on a broader issue within Hollywood, where women, especially in the past, had to navigate a system that often marginalized them,” she continued. Her words underscore a pervasive truth that has remained relevant in the years since, as many women in the industry still face similar challenges today. Hollywood, it seems, has always been slow to catch up when it comes to the equal treatment of women, especially those in front of the camera.

What makes Cher’s account so powerful is her candidness. Despite her legendary status and undeniable talent, she has faced the same struggles as countless other women who have fought to be seen and heard in a system that was, and in many ways still is, stacked against them. Cher has never been one to shy away from telling the truth, even if it ruffles feathers. Her bold commentary serves as a reminder of the challenges that women in Hollywood—then and now—continue to face.

As time has passed, Cher’s observations about The Witches of Eastwick have only become more poignant. The #MeToo movement and ongoing discussions about gender inequality in the entertainment industry have only vindicated her claims. Hollywood has slowly begun to reckon with its past, but as Cher’s experience shows, it’s a long road to true equality.

Cher may be a household name, but she has never forgotten where she came from or the obstacles that women face in the entertainment industry. And she won’t stop speaking out until things change.