Keira Knightley, a well-known actress in Hollywood, has opened up about the mental breakdown she suffered at the age of 22 due to paparazzi harassment.

In an interview with The Telegraph, Knightley shared that at that time, photographs of young famous women were valued more if they showed them doing something negative.

This followed bursts of media attention around Britney Spears and Amy Winehouse.

She revealed that paparazzi once tried to force her car off the road in an attempt to get some extra money.

When she told them to stop because she could accidentally kill someone, they said that they would get paid more if she did.

Knightley also spoke about Scarlett Johansson’s experience of being forced off the road in Los Angeles.

She said, “I remember Scarlett Johansson getting forced off the road in Los Angeles, then someone trying to do the same to me in Kentish Town.

I told them I was going to kill somebody; they said they’d get more money if I did…I don’t know how things are now…but it was definitely a moment I wanted to run away from.

It did not feel like it would end anywhere well.”

The incident left a deep impact on Knightley, who took two years off from acting after it.

She decided that she did not want to do big-budget films anymore, such as Atonement, Anna Karenina, and Star Wars, and instead chose to work on smaller-scale projects like The Edge of Love, Never Let Me Go, and A Dangerous Method.

Speaking about her decision to move away from big-budget films, Knightley said, “I knew I didn’t want to do big-budget films anymore because the fame that came with them I just couldn’t handle.”

She added that she found the constant attention and media scrutiny to be overwhelming and anxiety-inducing.

Knightley’s experiences reflect the darker side of fame and the impact it can have on an individual’s mental health.

Despite being a successful actress with several critically acclaimed films to her name, Knightley’s experiences show that even the most accomplished and talented individuals are not immune to the negative effects of fame.

It is worth noting that paparazzi harassment has been a longstanding issue in Hollywood and has led to several high-profile incidents in the past.

The tragic death of Princess Diana is one such example, where paparazzi chasing her car ultimately led to her untimely demise.

Knightley’s decision to speak out about her experience is a reminder of the importance of respecting celebrities’ privacy and giving them the space they need to live their lives without constant media intrusion.

It also highlights the need for greater regulation of the paparazzi industry to prevent future incidents like this from occurring.

In conclusion, Keira Knightley’s harrowing experience of being harassed by paparazzi serves as a stark reminder of the darker side of fame and the impact it can have on an individual’s mental health.

Her decision to step away from big-budget films and work on smaller-scale projects reflects the need for greater privacy and respect for celebrities in the entertainment industry.

The incident highlights the need for greater regulation of the paparazzi industry to ensure the safety and well-being of those in the public eye.