Saoirse Ronan has described the response to a viral clip of her discussing women’s safety on The Graham Norton Show as “wild,” a sentiment that reflects both surprise and appreciation for the broader conversation it has sparked.
The acclaimed Irish actress graced the BBC One talk show last week, joining a star-studded lineup that included renowned actors Paul Mescal, Eddie Redmayne, and Denzel Washington.
Recalling his preparation for his role in The Day of the Jackal, Redmayne shared that he had been instructed on how to wield a phone as a means of defense, a commentary that prompted a pivotal exchange about women’s safety.
In a moment of candid reflection, Mescal raised a critical point: would anyone realistically have the presence of mind to reach for their phone when under threat? Ronan’s response, “That’s what girls have to think about all the time. Am I right ladies?” resonated deeply with the audience.
The audience responded with applause, and the impactful clip has since gained traction on social media platforms, illustrating the vital discussions it has ignited.
On Wednesday, in conversation with Virgin Radio UK’s Ryan Tubridy, Ronan reflected on the unexpected nature of the reaction, stating, “It’s definitely not something that I had expected, and I didn’t necessarily set out to sort of make a splash.”
Ronan, star of the anticipated Oscar-nominated film Blitz, emphasized that the dialogue surrounding women’s safety is a crucial reflection of contemporary societal attitudes.
Her insights shed light on how candidly women desire to express their experiences with the men in their lives. “I think there’s something really telling about the society that we’re in right now and about how open women want to be with the men in their lives,” she remarked.
The 30-year-old actress noted that such conversations mirror those she engages in with friends, emphasizing that the fears and precautions women face are an everyday reality: “This is actually an experience that we go through every single day, 100%.”
She expressed her enthusiasm that this moment has become a catalyst for discussion, saying it is “amazing” that it’s “opening a conversation” about women’s experiences and safety concerns.
Ronan recalled meeting a woman who shared a poignant story following the interview, saying, “It’s really interesting, after we watched that interview, myself and a few of my female friends were with my husband and we said, you know, this really reminds me of the fake phone call.”
This tactic, known as the “fake phone call,” involves pretending to take a call when feeling threatened, a survival mechanism that many women learn independently without ever discussing it with others.
The hope is that this act will deter potential attackers, giving the impression that the individual is communicating with someone who would promptly alert authorities.
Ronan’s willingness to shine a light on this pressing issue has garnered her acclaim, with Elle writer Olivia Petter noting her efforts in raising awareness about “serious, ongoing thoughts women have on an almost daily basis.”
The Guardian’s Marina Hyde echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the universal nature of Ronan’s comments, stating, “Most, if not absolutely all, women have been in a version of that conversation in their time, and almost all of us have not found the precise words to say in the moment it was happening.”
During the engaging dialogue, Redmayne recounted his training, sharing insights on how to effectively use the butt of a phone as a weapon if faced with an attack.
In response, Mescal humorously questioned, “Who’s actually going to think about that, though? If someone attacks me I’m not going to go [reaches into pocket] – phone,” highlighting the absurdity of such expectations.
Ronan’s poignant interjection brought the conversation back to reality, underscoring that women’s safety is an ever-present concern they must navigate daily.
As she discussed her role in Blitz, where she portrays a mother desperately searching for her son amidst the chaos of World War Two in London, Ronan’s presence on Norton’s show served to amplify a critical issue resonating with countless women.
**Interview with Saoirse Ronan on Her Viral Moment at The Graham Norton Show**
**Interviewer:** Saoirse, thank you for joining us today! Let’s dive right in. You’ve described the response to your comment about women’s safety on The Graham Norton Show as “wild.” What was your initial reaction when you saw the clip go viral?
**Saoirse Ronan:** Thank you for having me! Honestly, I was quite surprised. It wasn’t something I set out to do for attention. I was just engaging in a conversation that felt very real and pertinent. To see it resonate with so many people is both unexpected and rewarding.
**Interviewer:** Your comment, “That’s what girls have to think about all the time. Am I right ladies?” really struck a chord. Can you elaborate on why you felt it was important to bring that perspective into the conversation?
**Saoirse Ronan:** Absolutely. It’s a part of our reality—women consider their safety constantly, and that’s not something we talk about openly all the time. I think expressing these thoughts, and hearing that others share these experiences, is crucial for understanding and empathy. It’s amazing to see more women feel comfortable sharing their stories now.
**Interviewer:** After the show, did you have any particular conversations that stood out to you about this topic?
**Saoirse Ronan:** Yes! I remember speaking with some female friends who shared their own experiences. One woman talked about how she often resorts to what we call the “fake phone call.” It’s a survival tactic many women learn without discussing it. It’s intriguing that these strategies exist and are so common among us yet often go unspoken.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned in a recent interview that these discussions reflect societal attitudes. How do you see the shift in conversations around women’s safety and experiences evolving?
**Saoirse Ronan:** I think there’s a growing recognition of these issues, and platforms like social media allow for broader discussions than ever before. Women are more open—and I believe there’s an eagerness to share honest experiences with men in their lives. It’s fabulous that we’re using moments like this to spark deeper dialogues that can lead to change.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, how do you hope this moment translates into action or awareness moving forward?
**Saoirse Ronan:** I hope it encourages more conversations—not just among women but between women and men. Safety is a shared responsibility, and the more we discuss it, the more we can all understand and support each other. If this serves as a catalyst for change and awareness, then that would be incredible.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Saoirse, for sharing your thoughts and insights with us today. It’s clear that your words have sparked meaningful conversations, and we’re eager to see where they lead.
**Saoirse Ronan:** Thank you! I appreciate the chance to talk about this important issue. Let’s keep the conversation going!
