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January 24, 2007

You Tell Us: Is the Sex Abuse Plot Too Much for 12-Year-Old Dakota?


Dakota Fanning’s shocking and disturbing new role in the controversial movie “Hound Dog” is shaking up the 2007 Sundance Film Festival.

The film, which stars Fanning and Robin Wright Penn, has everyone talking, as the 12-year-old big screen darling portrays a young child who survives her father’s sexual abuse.

We joined Dakota at the film fest in Park City, where the young starlet blasted her critics over their reaction to a controversial rape scene.

“Not once while we were filming or reading the script did anyone think it was controversial,” Fanning told “Extra’s” Jerry Penacoli. “I still don’t.”

The rape scene creating so much furor contains no nudity, but eludes to it with quick edits as a bare shouldered Dakota yells “Stop it!” and stares blankly into the sky.

“It's not anything like what they've been saying,” Dakota dished. “It's just been so blown out of proportion.”

Dakota also told “Extra” that not only are her parents okay with the so-called controversial movie, “They’re very supportive of anything that I choose to do.”

As for what drew her to “Hound Dog,” Fanning revealed, “I could just relate to her so much and her depth, and all the layers to her. And I just wanted to discover those.”

The young superstar, who has grown up on the big screen before our very eyes, also revealed that she chose the role hoping to become an inspiration for young victims of abuse.

“They can learn that even though you are born into hard times or you go through hardships, you can still survive,” she said.

Now that Dakota has shared her side of the controversy surrounding “Hound Dog,” “Extra” wants to hear your thoughts!

Is the 12-year-old star’s sex scene too much? We’ll voice your opinions on Thursday’s show!

Click on an image to see the Dakota Fanning photo gallery!


NEXT: Former Miss Nevada Lashes Out at The Donald

 

I think its great that we are finally recognizing that this type of things does happen. I am proud that a person like Dakota would have enough maturity to take on this role.


- Mariah Davidson
Posted 01/24/07 04:48 PM
 

i think that the people that are being negative are just the people that are jealous. being an inspiring actress myslef i must admit i am jealous of dakota’s sucess but i still believe that there is nothing contraversal about this role at all…infact i think its good that she is playing it…and poeple are just making a bigger deal out of things then it really is becuase they, once again, are jealous


- stephanie
Posted 01/24/07 04:47 PM
 

I think its discusting that the directors and producers are sinking to this all time low. We have enough technology to fake most of what is seen in hollywood today. Why must a rape scene be necessary…. oh but of course… to draw ratings and to stir up controvery so that everyone will want to know what the controversy is about and see the movie. The only way to put an end to unacceptable crap like this is to not pay any attention to it. Don’t see the movies that promote or find 12 year old rape scenes as an acceptable form of acting. Most of us want to escape reality, not live through it through another ones eyes. I know I sure don’t no matter how well adjusted the actress is, it’s just sick and wil give the sicko’s in the world a movie to jerk off to!


- Linda
Posted 01/24/07 04:47 PM
 

I think it is deplorable that this child can be permitted to take on such a role.

I recently saw a different movie on television with a much more graphic depiction of child rape. The actress portraying the victim was similar in age and appearance to DF. I question why that film did not raise nearly so much flak.


- Anonymous
Posted 01/24/07 04:47 PM
 

Having a 12 year old child play out a rape scene? Not only could this desensitize the child to the entire subject, but also would create an extremely awkward situation for people watching the film. I’m pretty sure that’s one of the most distasteful things that could ever happen on film. I mean granted it has a rating for a meaning, but thats just pushing the bar a bit too far.


- Doug Pariseau
Posted 01/24/07 04:46 PM
 

Something like this was bound to happen. They’ve made movies about lesbians and gays, multirational marriages. I think this movie will help young girls in similar situation speak out about their abuse. I don’t see anything wrong with this movie. As sick as it is, stuff like that does happen and you can’t just cover it up.


- YCunningham
Posted 01/24/07 04:46 PM
 

No, I don’t think it is too much. This is a reality that we don’t like to think about but happens daily for children her age. I also feel this role will be an inspiration for others her age and it gives them a role model that they can identify with and hopefully they can find the strength to overcome this adversity.


- Tonda Herrington
Posted 01/24/07 04:46 PM
 

She is a VERY wise preteen, and a wonderful actress. I don’t think it is wrong for her to play a role. She’s acting that’s all it is. No one has seen the movie yet, so why not watch it before degrading it? Close minded people can be so rude!


- Anonymous
Posted 01/24/07 04:45 PM
 

I think it is deplorable that this child can be permitted to take on such a role.

I recently saw a different movie on television with a much more graphic depiction of child rape. The actress portraying the victim was similar in age and appearance to DF. I question why that film did not raise nearly so much flak.


- Anonymous
Posted 01/24/07 04:45 PM
 

I think its discusting that the directors and producers are sinking to this all time low. We have enough technology to fake most of what is seen in hollywood today. Why must a rape scene be necessary…. oh but of course… to draw ratings and to stir up controvery so that everyone will want to know what the controversy is about and see the movie. The only way to put an end to unacceptable crap like this is to not pay any attention to it. Don’t see the movies that promote or find 12 year old rape scenes as an acceptable form of acting. Most of us want to escape reality, not live through it through another ones eyes. I know I sure don’t no matter how well adjusted the actress is, it’s just sick and wil give the sicko’s in the world a movie to jerk off to!


- Linda M
Posted 01/24/07 04:44 PM
 

She is a VERY wise preteen, and a wonderful actress. I don’t think it is wrong for her to play a role. She’s acting that’s all it is. No one has seen the movie yet, so why not watch it before degrading it? Close minded people can be so rude!


- Anonymous
Posted 01/24/07 04:44 PM
 

Bravo, I applaud the courage of this young and fabulous actress. I dont understand why everyone is making a huge deal about this movie. With so many rapes and sexual abuse happening in this day and age, its about time to create awareness and discuss about thsi issue. When do we realize its not ok ot hide behind issues?


- Sarav Chithambaram
Posted 01/24/07 04:44 PM
 

ummm i think that there is no reason people should be critizing Dakota there just jealous that she is extremely good. Infact im jealous of her…i would never have the guts to go out there and do a racy movie like her curent project. and as an inspiring actress my self i admire dakota and all of her work. She is a great actress.


- stephanie
Posted 01/24/07 04:44 PM
 

i beleive that, it is alrite for her to be acting in this movie, it gives her an idea of what is actualyl going on in the world around the acting and the stars. Also, she is 12 years old, she is basically a teenager, they already no about sex and drugs and everything else


- Anonymous
Posted 01/24/07 04:43 PM
 

I think its discusting that the directors and producers are sinking to this all time low. We have enough technology to fake most of what is seen in hollywood today. Why must a rape scene be necessary…. oh but of course… to draw ratings and to stir up controvery so that everyone will want to know what the controversy is about and see the movie. The only way to put an end to unacceptable crap like this is to not pay any attention to it. Don’t see the movies that promote or find 12 year old rape scenes as an acceptable form of acting. Most of us want to escape reality, not live through it through another ones eyes. I know I sure don’t no matter how well adjusted the actress is, it’s just sick and wil give the sicko’s in the world a movie to jerk off to!


- Linda M
Posted 01/24/07 04:43 PM
 

i dont think there should be this much controvery over dakota playing thischaracter in real life rape does happen to girls of all ages i think at 13 theres not age limit on rape victims and people should just let the positive of the movie shine through rather than all the negative people have to say


- rachael
Posted 01/24/07 04:43 PM
 

If it were any other 12 year old actor, no one would give a secong thought. But its Dakota Fanning cute little girl in the films. She is expanding her acting abilities. You go girl!


- Heather
Posted 01/24/07 04:43 PM
 

i think that there is no reason people should be critizing Dakota there just jealous that she is extremely good. Infact im jealous of her…i would never have the guts to go out there and do a racy movie like her curent project. and as an inspiring actress my self i admire dakota and all of her work. She is a great actress.


- stephanie
Posted 01/24/07 04:42 PM
 

What are her parents thinking about-oh wait $$$$$$$ silly me!


- jw
Posted 01/24/07 04:42 PM
 

I do not believe that this film should cause so much controversy. Rape affects everyone of all ages it is something that has been brushed under the rug especially in hollywood…now that there is a film that brings it to the forefront we as human beings should focus on helping real rape survivors.I appauld Dakota Fanning for such a mature and vulnerable roll,I also applaud the director it was done appropriately she was not exposed.people should focus on what’s real but then again it is hollywood we’re talking about.:)


- Ruth N
Posted 01/24/07 04:42 PM

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