In a recent revelation, Hollywood actress Sharon Stone has named the producer who allegedly pressured her to have sex with her co-star, Billy Baldwin, during the filming of the American thriller Sliver (1993). Stone, known for her iconic role in Basic Instinct, had previously written about this incident in her 2021 memoir, The Beauty of Living Twice, but had not disclosed any names.
On The Louis Theroux Podcast, the 66-year-old actress explicitly identified the late Robert Evans as the producer who instructed her to “sleep with” Billy Baldwin for the sake of the film. At the time, both Baldwin and Stone were starring in Sliver, a movie produced by Evans.
The Backstory
Sharon Stone was riding high on the success of Basic Instinct, and the expectations were equally high for her next project. She had been granted casting approval and other privileges, but when it came time to exercise those approvals, she was informed that they were merely a “vanity deal.” Frustrated, Stone found herself caught in a web of blame for the film’s challenges.
Evans, a legendary Hollywood figure, summoned Stone to his office. There, he made an unusual request. As Stone recounted, “He had those very low seventies, eighties couches, so I’m essentially sitting on the floor, when I should have been on set.” Evans proceeded to explain that he had slept with Ava Gardner and suggested that Stone should sleep with Billy Baldwin. His reasoning? If Stone and Baldwin had chemistry on screen, it would save the movie. According to Evans, the real problem was Stone’s perceived uptightness.
Billy Baldwin’s Response
Billy Baldwin, who shared the screen with Stone in Sliver, wasted no time in clapping back. He expressed his frustration at Stone’s claims and stated, “I have a lot of dirt on her.” Baldwin’s reaction highlights the tension and complexity behind the scenes of Hollywood productions.
The Larger Context
This revelation sheds light on the power dynamics and challenges faced by actors, especially women, in the entertainment industry. The pressure to compromise personal boundaries for the sake of a film’s success remains an ongoing issue. Stone’s decision to name the producer responsible for this uncomfortable situation underscores the need for transparency and accountability.
As the story unfolds, it serves as a reminder that behind the glitz and glamour of Hollywood lies a world of negotiations, struggles, and difficult choices. Sharon Stone’s courage in speaking out and Billy Baldwin’s candid response add depth to the narrative, revealing the complexities of showbiz beyond the silver screen.
Sliver, released in 1993, may have faded from memory, but this recent revelation ensures that its behind-the-scenes drama will continue to captivate audiences and spark conversations about the industry’s darker side.