Saoirse Ronan Reflects on Powerful Response to Women’s Safety Commentary

Saoirse Ronan recently described the reaction to her comments about women’s safety on The Graham Norton Show as “wild.” The Irish actress made headlines after appearing on the BBC One talk show alongside fellow actors Paul Mescal, Eddie Redmayne, and Denzel Washington.

During the episode, Redmayne shared a story about his training for a role as an assassin in The Day of the Jackal, where he learned to use his phone as a weapon. Mescal then questioned the practicality of this idea, asking if anyone would realistically have time to pull out their phone when faced with an attack. In a moment that resonated with many, Ronan responded, “That’s what girls have to think about all the time. Am I right, ladies?” Her remark was met with applause from the audience and has since gone viral on social media.

In a subsequent interview on Virgin Radio UK’s Ryan Tubridy show, Ronan admitted that the intensity of the reaction took her by surprise. “It was definitely not something that I had expected, and I didn’t necessarily set out to sort of make a splash,” she explained.

Ronan emphasized that the conversation surrounding women’s safety reflects broader societal issues. “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 discussions about personal safety often mirror conversations she has with her friends, underscoring that these concerns are daily realities for many women.

She expressed her appreciation for how this moment has fostered dialogue, saying it’s “amazing” that it’s “opening a conversation” and encouraging more women to share their experiences. Ronan recounted a recent encounter with a woman who shared how the discussion sparked a revelation among her friends and husband about the “fake phone call” tactic. This tactic involves a woman pretending to receive a phone call if she feels threatened, in hopes of deterring a potential attacker by creating the impression that she is in contact with someone who could help.

Ronan highlighted that such survival strategies are often unspoken among women but are understood instinctively. “You wouldn’t understand if you haven’t had to go through anything like that,” she explained, noting how these tactics become tools for navigating daily life as a woman.

The actress has been lauded for bringing attention to the ongoing concerns women face. Writer Olivia Petter from Elle noted that Ronan’s remarks raised awareness of the “serious, ongoing thoughts women have on an almost daily basis.” Similarly, The Guardian columnist Marina Hyde commented that “most, if not absolutely all, women have been in a version of that conversation,” acknowledging that many struggle to articulate their experiences in the moment.

During the original exchange on The Graham Norton Show, Redmayne’s anecdote about phone self-defense led to a compelling dialogue. Mescal’s response, questioning the likelihood of someone remembering to use their phone in a crisis, set the stage for Ronan’s powerful interjection about the reality women face. After her statement, the atmosphere shifted; the audience applauded, and the men on the couch, including Norton, nodded in agreement, recognizing the weight of her words.

Ronan was on the show to discuss her role in the upcoming film Blitz, in which she portrays Rita, a mother desperately searching for her son amid the chaos of World War II in London. The film is generating buzz and is already considered a contender for the Oscars, adding to the significance of her appearance.

As conversations around women’s safety continue to evolve, Ronan’s candid remarks have sparked not just discussions but also a call for greater awareness of the daily challenges faced by women. By sharing her experiences and observations, she has encouraged a broader dialogue that resonates with many, proving that sometimes, the most impactful conversations arise unexpectedly.