Actress talks about #MeToo and feeling desired on the cover of PorterEdit

Viola Davis, who earned an Oscar for the film Fences last year, has detailed her evolving journey in the acting business and spoke to NET-A-PORTER’s digital magazine PorterEdit about the #MeToo movement and how undertaking sex scenes has made her feel more desirable.

The South Carolina born actress, 52, also addressed the ongoing battle with representation in the industry, as well as praising the #MeToo movement for helping her overcome the 'stain' of sexual harassment that made her 'feel like c**p.'

Speaking of the hit show 'How To Get Away With Murder', in which she was required to perform sex scenes, Viola revealed:

'I always felt in playing sexuality you have to look a certain way, to be a certain size, to walk a certain way. Until I realised that what makes people lean in is when they see themselves. There’s no way I am going to believe that all women who are sexualised are size zero or two, all have straight hair, all look like sex kittens every time they go to bed and want sex from their man, all are heterosexual. I am mirroring women. I always say it is not my job to be sexy, it’s my job to be sexual, that’s the difference.'

Reflecting on how it has changed the way she feels towards herself, Davis continued: 'It’s been a painful journey. It costs me something, because very rarely in my career, and in my life , have I been allowed to explore that part of myself, to be given permission to know that is an aspect of my humanity, that I desire and am desired.'

Her role in HTGAWM also comes after her stereotypical casting experiences in the business: 'I’m 52 and darker than a paper bag. Women who look like me are relegated to the back of the bus, auditioning for crackheads and mammas and the person with a hand on her hip who is always described as "sassy" or "soulful".'

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And while Viola has achieved immense success in the performance industry, she admits there's still a struggle with women of colour in the business.

'People need to understand that they shouldn’t see people of colour one way. We don’t always have to be slaves or in the ’hood or fighting the KKK. I could be in a romantic comedy. I could be in Gone Girl. Or Wild. I could be seen the same way as Nicole Kidman, Meryl Streep, Julianne Moore. I actually came from the same sort of background. I went to Julliard, I’ve done Broadway. I’ve worked with the Stephen Spielbergs. I should be seen the same way. That’s what I think is missing (from the industry), magination.'

And speaking highly of the #MeToo movement, a result of the surge of sexual harassment claims in Hollywood, Viola candidly admitted: 'Not only do I have my own story, I have my own stories. I am telling you, I have had men touch me in inappropriate ways throughout my childhood. I have had men follow me on any given day, and I am saying during the day, at one o’clock in the afternoon, and expose themselves to me. It makes you feel like c**p, it makes you feel like, what would a childhood be if that were removed? And it’s hard to separate that stain from who you are. You tattoo it on yourself. Those personal experiences have allowed me to feel compassion for the women who have spoken up.'

And Viola also offered her strong words for people who have criticised the #MeToo movement, admitting that they are missing the point:

'Hollywood is a microcosm, and however you feel about the movement, it has given women permission to talk about their sexual assault and be a community with each other. Community, that’s a good word. I know it’s a kumbaya word, but you know what, the minute you feel isolated and you’re on your own, is the minute you’re dead.'