Many traumatic events are not revealed until much later. It takes time to heal and be able to talk about the event without reliving it. Actor Jena Malone seems to understand this firsthand.
She took to Instagram on March 1, 2023, to reveal to the world that she had been sexually assaulted during the filming of the final Hunger Games film, 2015’s Mockingjay Part 2, by someone she was working alongside. Jena loved working on the franchise and hates that such a dark incident is forever linked to the film for her.
Jena starts her post with a disclaimer, writing, “—trigger warning— This photo was taken right after I wrapped mocking Jay part two and I had to say goodbye to everyone on set. We were shooting in a beautiful estate in the countryside of France and I asked the driver to let me out in this field so I could cry and capture this moment.”
“Even tho this time in Paris was extremely hard for me , was going thru a bad break up and also was sexually assaulted by someone I had worked with , I was so full of gratitude for this project, the people I became close with and this amazing part I got to play,” Jena reveals. This picture represents a myriad of emotions for her.
Jena appears to be both thankful and hurt by her experience in the Hunger Games. It is a lot to unpack. “A swirling mix of emotions im only now just learning to sort thru. I wish it wasn’t tied to such a traumatic event for me but that is the real wildness of life I I guess. How to hold the chaos with the beauty,” she muses.
Jena decided the best way for her to heal was through “restorative justice.” She has learned to “make peace with the person who violated me and make peace with myself.” She says “the process is so slow and non linear.”
She hopes that by sharing her story with others she can help anyone in a similar situation. “I want to say im here for anyone who needs to talk or vent or open uncommunicated spaces within themselves. Please dm me if you need a safe space to be heard,” she concludes.
The conversation continues in the comment section. One fan was concerned that “whoever violated [Jena] got to walk away with no [repercussions].” Jena disputed this, stating, "no that's not true. I used restorative justice to allow healing and accountability and growth with the other person. It was a hard process but one I believe truly helped me move thru some of the hardest parts of the grief."
Jena explained how she decided to use restorative justice. “I did do a lot of online research. What [led] me there was feeling not held by 'outing' someone using the traditional cancel like culture that has been created,” she explained.
Jena, who played Johanna Mason in the film, also received support from one of her Hunger Games costars. Willow Shields, who played Primrose Everdeen, wrote: “This post has me at a loss of words. I understand and I hope that though the process is so slow you are okay Jena ❤️."
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, the National Sexual Assault Hotline provides confidential 24/7 support. Call 800-656-HOPE (4673) or chat online at RAINN.
