On the most recent episode of “The Graham Norton Show,” an apparently lighthearted debate took an unexpected turn, leaving both viewers and guests stunned by Saoirse Ronan’s strong interference.
The show aired on Friday, October 25, and featured Hollywood icons Eddie Redmayne, Paul Mescal, and Denzel Washington, as well as Ronan, as they discussed their latest ventures.
Eddie Redmayne, promoting his new series “The Day of the Jackal,” revealed details about his training for his part as an assassin.
He stated how a skilled combat expert taught him how to use a mobile phone as a self-defense weapon, specifically to poke an attacker in the neck.
Paul Mescal, famed for his part in “Gladiator II,” decided to join in with a joke that initially appeared innocent.
He questioned the viability of using a phone in a real-life attack, saying, “Who is actually going to think about that?” If someone actually attacked me, I’m not going to go ‘phone!’”
The crowd laughed along with the other guests, and Graham Norton joined in by imitating the action of patting his pockets for a phone during an attack.
The amusing banter continued as Mescal pretended to hold a phone and said, “Sorry, mum, one second. BANG.”
It all appeared like innocent conversation until Saoirse Ronan, who had been attempting to interject, seized the moment to speak up.
With a calm but forceful tone, she said, “That’s what girls have to think about all the time,” which immediately changed the mood.
The males on the panel, including Mescal and Redmayne, halted and seemed unsure what to say, their laughter replaced by awkward quiet.
Ronan then turned to the crowd and asked, “Am I right, ladies?” This elicited an outburst of applause, recognizing the fact she had addressed.
The video of Ronan’s statement instantly went viral, with supporters praising her for bringing up a critical problem that is often disregarded in casual talks.
One viewer wrote, “Saoirse Ronan gagging men, we love to see it.” Another person commented, “The silence after she spoke is genuinely a work of art.”
According to social media users, Ronan attempted to speak earlier but was interrupted by the male attendees.
Someone commented, “Notice how she tried to say her piece before they all started spouting those things but they just all talked over her so she just waited.”
Another person shared a similar feeling, saying, “She was so great for being sincere and upfront.”
Many women on social media responded to Ronan’s statement, highlighting how much effort it takes for them to defend themselves in ways that men frequently miss.
A woman commented, “Lads… you do know we walk at home at night with our house keys fused between our forefingers in case we need to fend off an attacker, right?”
Others recognized Ronan’s simple and honest reaction as a vital reality check, highlighting the wide contrasts in experiences between men and women.
Aside from the praise and online support, some fans compared Ronan’s reaction to her earlier roles, specifically her depiction of Jo March in “Little Women.”
One fan wrote, “This is so Jo March of her,” highlighting Ronan’s consistent activism on and off-screen. Ronan is known for her character’s independence and outspokenness.
The incident’s most remarkable part, however, was the reminder of the real-world concern raised by Ronan.
A recent analysis from the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the College of Policing found a 37% increase in violent crimes against women and girls between 2018 and 2023.
In 2023 alone, over one million recorded incidences of violence against women occurred in England and Wales, representing 20% of all crimes registered that year.
Deputy Chief Constable Maggie Blyth called the problem an “epidemic” and declared it a “national emergency.”
Saoirse Ronan’s swift intervention acted as a strong reminder that, while humor has its place, it is also important to understand and respect the lived realities of others.
Her statements not only stopped the audience but also prompted a critical discourse that many thought was long overdue, demonstrating the power of using one’s platform to effect positive change.
Featured Image Credit: (Youtube/@The Graham Norton Show)
