Margot Robbie says sexism is an ‘inherent thing everyone has got in their DNA’

‘It’s the societal construct we have grown up knowing,’ says actor

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Margot Robbie has spoken out about the “inherent” sexism she has faced in the film industry.

Speaking to Glamour UK, the Bombshell actor, who also runs a production company, described sexist attitudes as “naturally ingrained” in people on set.

“Even if you are the one who should be dictating the decisions - they turn to the closest, eldest male in the room and direct the question at them,” she said.

“It’s just an inherent thing everyone has got in their DNA.”

Offering an example, Robbie explained that when she is producing a film, people often direct queries about finances to her male colleagues instead of her.

“When people are asking a question and I have the answer, they so readily will turn to my producing partners who are guys and ask them,” the Australian actor said.

“And they are like, ‘actually she is the one with the answer, you should ask her!’”

Robbie added: ”It’s the societal construct we have grown up knowing.”

But things are improving, she continued, explaining that people have become far more conscious of sexist attitudes and so “often catch themselves”.

“I think people really want to embrace the idea of equality,” she added.

“I think they are a little shocked they hadn’t before, and they didn’t have that mindset and they weren’t conscious of it.”

Robbie is nominated for an Academy Award for her role in Bombshell, which depicts the 2016 sexual harassment scandal at Fox News that led to the firing of the TV network's then CEO, Roger Ailes.

See the full feature in the January digital issue of Glamour UK, available online now.