Eva Green's case highlights why 'being rude' is still the worst thing a woman can be

It can leave an indelible stain on a career, finds Nicole Vassell

- Nicole Vassell

To be fair, no one wants to be called a "shitty peasant". But that's exactly how French actor Eva Green referred to crew workers on the set of scrapped film A Patriot, according to texts read out at the High Court. Green, known to many for being the "Bond girl" of Casino Royale, is currently mid-legal battle over her fee for A Patriot, a sci-fi thriller in which she was set to play a soldier. The film was cancelled in October 2019 but Green wants her £810,000 all the same. White Lantern Films, A Patriot's production company, is countersuing the actor and has mentioned instances of her being "rude" to weaken her case.

Unsurprising, since being "rude" is an offence that is often considered much more sinful when it applies to women.

Green apologised for her language and offered her "Frenchness" as an explanation for her sharp turns of phrase. Meanwhile, her legal representative has argued that she had genuine safety and quality concerns, and the portrayal of Green as a "diva" is unfairly being used to blame her for the film's collapse, telling the court: "This case is designed to paint my client as a diva to win headlines and damage her reputation."

Green's use of her nationality as an excuse for her caustic manner makes for an amusing news story. But there is, perhaps, a wider point to observe about the argument she's making: that her perceived rudeness might undermine her profession. Why is the idea of "rudeness" treated so much more seriously, and with more damaging consequences, when attached to a woman, than it is with a man?