EXCLUSIVE: Sharon Stone 'So Scarred' By 'Exploitation' on 'Basic Instinct' She Can Never Watch Raunchy Movie Scenes
Sharon Stone has been said to feel deeply affected by her experience on 'Basic Instinct.'
April 3 2026, Published 11:00 a.m. ET
Sharon Stone avoids watching s-- scenes on screen after feeling deeply affected by "exploitation" during the making of Basic Instinct, RadarOnline.com can reveal.
Stone, 68, rose to global fame with her role in the 1992 erotic thriller Basic Instinct, a performance that transformed her career but also exposed her to intense scrutiny and controversy.
Sharon Stone avoided s-- scenes after her experience with exploitation.
Speaking in a recent interview, Sharon Stone has now reflected on how the film shaped both her professional trajectory and personal boundaries, explaining she now chooses to avoid explicit content altogether, even in her own home, in order to preserve a sense of imagination and emotional distance.
Stone said: "Often now, when s-- scenes come on TV – I fast-forward. I don't want to see it." I don't want to have to go through all of this blatant, harsh sexuality. For me, it steals from my own imagination. And I prefer my yearning, mystery, desire. I want to keep that alive inside myself."
'I Feel I Was Punished for the Behavior of Others.'
Stone fast-forwarded through explicit content to preserve her imagination.
A source close to the actress said her stance reflects years of complicated feelings tied to her breakout role.
They added: "Sharon is still scarred by what she went through at the time on the set of Basic Instinct. She felt exposed and unsupported, and those experiences changed how she engages with that kind of material forever."
Stone also revisited the personal toll of filming Basic Instinct, describing how the experience left her feeling vulnerable despite its professional success.
She said: "Oh my God, it changed everything... in many ways, I feel like I wasn't protected and taken care of. And then, in many ways, I feel I was punished for the behavior of others.
"There were things that were bizarrely inappropriate. People treated me in ways that were… very cruel and unkind, as if I was some sort of slatternly, vulgar person… I mean, you know, I played a character – 30 years ago. Like, grow up."
Industry Attitudes Then and Now Under Scrutiny
Insiders claimed Stone remained scarred by her treatment on set
Another insider said the actress' comments highlight broader industry issues around how performers were treated during that era.
The source added: "There is a growing recognition now that what happened to her would not be handled the same way today.
"At the time, there was very little protection for actors in those situations."
Stone Praises 'Euphoria' Cast and New Generation
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Stone praised the talent and grace of younger actors recently.
In recent years, Stone has continued to work across film and television, including joining the cast of Euphoria, created by Sam Levinson.
She revealed she has known Levinson since his childhood, having previously collaborated with his father, Barry Levinson, on the 1998 science fiction film Sphere.
Reflecting on her time working alongside younger actors such as Zendaya and Sydney Sweeney, Stone spoke positively about the experience.
She said: "We just had a good time. It was marvelous. All of those young people are a part of everything… they're so good, they're so talented. They've developed (these cast members) into the biggest movie stars of their generation, and it's because of their impeccable talent, and kindness, and grace. It's a joy to be there."
A source said the actress is now focusing on projects that align more closely with her current outlook.
They added: "Sharon is choosing roles and environments where she feels respected and safe, and where the work reflects who she is now, rather than who she was expected to be back then."
Stone has also indicated she may be preparing for a new chapter in her career, expressing interest in live theater and a possible move to Broadway.
She said: "Now, I think I'm ready. I think I want to do Broadway. It's going to be, I think, the next step for me."
