Olivia Hussey’s Death Brings Attention to the Tarnished Child Sexual Exploitation Controversy in “Romeo and Juliet”

Olivia Hussey, who gained international fame for her portrayal of Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 film “Romeo and Juliet,” passed away peacefully at home on December 27. Her family described her as a passionate and remarkable person whose warmth, wisdom, and kindness touched everyone who knew her.

Born on April 17, 1951, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Olivia moved to London as a child and later studied acting at the Conti Academy in Italy. She became a global star at 15 when she was cast in “Romeo and Juliet.” The film won multiple Academy Awards and was critically acclaimed, with both Olivia and her co-star Leonard Whiting receiving Golden Globe Awards for their performances.

However, in a shocking turn, Olivia and Leonard filed a lawsuit against Paramount Pictures, alleging sexual exploitation related to their roles in the film. They claimed that the filmmakers secretly filmed them in nude or semi-nude scenes without their knowledge, violating child protection laws. The two actors demanded substantial financial compensation for their pain and suffering, claiming that the trauma from the exploitation would affect them for the rest of their lives.

At the time of filming, Leonard was 16 and Oliviay was 15, and both were told by Franco that no nudity would be involved. Yet, during the filming of a bedroom scene, they were instructed to wear body makeup instead of underwear, and Franco allegedly told them that if they didn’t perform the nude scenes, their careers would be over. The actors later revealed that they were forced to comply, fearing the collapse of the movie.

Olivia, however, had downplayed the issue in past interviews, stating that she and Leonard were well aware of what was required for the film. She even defended the nudity, calling it necessary for the film’s artistic vision and a landmark moment in American cinema. But in light of the #MeToo movement, both Olivia and Leonard reevaluated their experiences and began speaking out about the exploitation.

The lawsuit was filed after California temporarily suspended the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse claims, but the court ultimately dismissed the case, ruling that the actors had consented to the film’s nudity.