Keira Knightley, star of 'Pirates of the Caribbean,' reveals being 'publicly humiliated' and 'traumatized' following filming.

The phenomenon of Hollywood is strange - it often provides opportunities but also causes harm.

Keira Knightley knows this all too well.

The English actress, who is months away from turning 40 and has experienced the challenges of being in a popular franchise like "Pirates of the Caribbean," is reflecting on how she managed the pressures of young stardom.

"Knightley shared with The Times that the "Pirates" franchise was both a source of embarrassment and opportunity for him. Despite being criticized for his role in the films, their success allowed him to pursue other projects that eventually earned him Oscar nominations."

In 2005, Knightley, at 20 years old, received her first Oscar nomination for Best Actress for her role as Elizabeth Bennet in "Pride and Prejudice." Additionally, she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 2014 for her portrayal of Joan Clarke in "The Imitation Game."

""The 'Pirates of the Caribbean' series, which I was a part of, were my most successful films, and they led to my public downfall. Therefore, they are a source of confusion for me," she stated."

"I was seen as s--- because of them, and yet, because they did so well, I was given the opportunity to do the films that I ended up getting Oscar nominations for."  — Keira Knightley on "Pirates of the Caribbean"

Knightley stated that she would not participate in a franchised project again due to the excessive hours, loss of control over filming locations and duration, and lack of control over what is being filmed.

Despite her successful acting career, Knightley faced constant criticism of her appearance and persona. She has been pursued by paparazzi since she was a teenager, beginning her acting career as a child and starring in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" films at the age of 17. In 2018, Knightley revealed that she suffered a mental breakdown at the age of 22 and was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

"I don't remember that traumatic experience because it was completely erased from my memory, but sometimes fragments of it will resurface, and I'll suddenly have a vivid bodily memory of it because it was a form of public shaming. Given my young age at the time, it's clear that it has had a lasting impact on my psyche. I've been living with it."

Knightley was closely examined regarding her weight, and it was alleged that she was struggling with an eating disorder.

"I knew I wasn't eating, but I remember viscerally one of the Olsen twins had anorexia and went into a clinic," Knightley said, referencing Mary-Kate Olsen, who received treatment shortly after graduating from high school in 2004.

"In that classic trauma way I don’t remember it." — Keira Knightley on being hounded by the press

"During a press tour, I was asked about it as if it were a joke. The intention was to shame her for seeking help for anorexia. I recall feeling stunned and emotional as I sat there, thinking, "Wow, this is insane." It's not about me; it's about her. Despite my efforts, I still can't shake off the emotional impact of the situation."

She was acutely aware of what the media wanted from her: a collapse.

"She remembered how she recognized and saw people's careers being shattered because they were photographed coming out of clubs. The money on her head at that point, if you'd got a picture of her drunk, was so huge. She wasn't going to give the paparazzi the satisfaction of taking that away, so she was unbelievably straight."

As a married mother of two young girls, Knightley feels more in control of her own narrative.

"I've been surprised by what I've said no to in the past few years. I've wanted it to be more entertainment, possibly because I've needed that."