Kim Novak Slams 'Scandalous': Outrage Over Sydney Sweeney's Biopic

Kim Novak Slams "Scandalous" Biopic Title, Exposes Hollywood's Dark Secrets

Hollywood legend Kim Novak is speaking out against her upcoming biopic, Scandalous, which promises to dish out all the juicy details of her highly publicized romance with Sammy Davis Jr. in the 1950s. But don't expect the actress to get caught up in all the salacious buzz surrounding the film.

In a candid interview with The Guardian at the Venice Film Festival, where her documentary, Kim Novak's Vertigo, is premiering, Kim expresses her deep-seated concerns about how her life story will be portrayed on the big screen. And let's just say she's not thrilled with the title of the biopic.

"Scandalous?" Kim raises an eyebrow, incredulous. "I don't think our relationship was scandalous at all. Sammy and I shared a deep connection – we were both outsiders in our own ways, struggling to be accepted for who we truly are."

The 92-year-old actress's words come as a stark contrast to the lurid headlines that have been dominating tabloids and entertainment outlets lately. It seems Hollywood has once again decided to sensationalize Kim's life story for the sake of clicks and ratings.

But what really gets under Kim's skin is the way her relationship with Sammy will be portrayed. "I'm concerned they're going to make it all about sex," she confesses, her voice laced with frustration. "Our love was so much more than that."

For those who may not know, Kim and Sammy's romance was a high-profile affair in 1950s Hollywood. But what the public didn't know at the time was that their relationship was cut short when Columbia Pictures honcho Harry Cohn threatened Sammy with mob violence, warning him that it was "bad for business" to be involved with a Black woman.

This episode in Kim's life is just one of many examples of the systemic racism and sexism she faced in the entertainment industry. In fact, Kim has spoken publicly about how she had to fight tooth and nail to maintain her own identity and sense of self while under the glare of Hollywood's spotlight.

"They'd want you to have a new face, a new hairdo, a new everything," Kim recounts, her eyes flashing with indignation. "It was like they wanted to erase who I truly was. But I refused to give in."

And refuse she did. In 2021, Kim opened up to People about her decision to leave Hollywood for good, citing the toll it had taken on her mental and emotional health.

"I had to leave to survive," she told the outlet. "I lost a sense of who I truly was and what I stood for. I fought all the time back in Hollywood to keep my identity so you do whatever you have to do to hold on to who you are and what you stand for."

Now, as Kim looks back on her life and career, she sees the documentary premiering at Venice as a "full circle" moment – a chance to be celebrated and honored for who she truly is.

"It's incredible to feel appreciated and to receive this gift before the end of my life," Kim beams. "I think I'm being honored as much for being authentic as for my acting."

But make no mistake, Kim Novak is still not afraid to speak truth to power and call out Hollywood's dirty secrets. As she looks back on her tumultuous years in Tinseltown, one thing is clear: Kim Novak will always be a trailblazer, refusing to let anyone – or anything – silence her.

Sources:

• The Guardian
• People Magazine