Demi Moore faced huge backlash for her role in Striptease. The film’s failure made Disney fear that her bad reputation would ruin the upcoming release.

Hollywood actress, Demi Moore has starred in some of the greatest flicks in her career, which include 1982’s Paradise, 1991’s Mortal Thoughts, 1992’s A Few Good Men, 1994’s Disclosure, and more to mention. But there was a time when her career took a downfall. It’s because of a film she did in 1996—the comedy-drama Striptease.

Demi Moore in Striptease

It’s about a stripper and single mother who gets entangled in a risky situation after a congressman becomes infatuated with her. Even though, Andrew Bergman’s flick made $113.3 million at the box office, it was panned by critics.

It won six Golden Raspberry Awards including Worst Picture, and is often regarded as one of the worst movies ever made. The film’s failure marked a downturn in Moore’s career. Because of this, Disney feared her upcoming release—possibly due to the controversial nature of her role in the Striptease.

Demi Moore Became a Hollywood Outcast Because of Her Bold Role in Striptease

At one point, Demi Moore was the hottest actress in the Hollywood industry. She has appeared in several supporting roles but her breakthrough role came in 1990 when she starred along with Patrick Swayze in Ghost—a film that became a romantic comedy classic.

Moore became the highest-paid actress in the 90s. She received $12.5 million for the 1996 movie. It was a pretty penny than any other woman in Hollywood had offered at the time. But as said, “money can’t buy success,” it was the same case with Striptease. And this film proved to be a total disaster for Moore’s career.

The film even made her receive the Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Actress of the Year. After the movie’s release in 1996, Moore faced severe backlash and she was labeled ‘box office poison.’ It also concerned Disney studio executives about her role in the upcoming G.I. Jane.

Demi Moore in G.I. Jane

After Striptease’s failure, Disney executives hesitated to release the film about a female Special Forces officer, fearing Moore’s waning popularity would harm their reputation.

One executive told Newsweek at the time, “We don’t know what to do…People just don’t want to see her. We would have to drag them kicking and screaming to see this movie.” So, after G.I. Jane also failed to make a profit, Moore became a Hollywood outcast.

Demi Moore Advocated Equal Pay and Respect in 90’s Hollywood

Demi Moore in LOL

Despite Moore’s bad reputation stirred by Striptease, critics have noted that Moore’s contributions to equal pay in Hollywood are recognized. A Lifetime magazine wrote at that time, “She became a pioneer for other actresses by being the first female lead to demand the same salary, benefits, and billing as her male counterparts”.

In the ’90s, the Hollywood actress became a well-respected figure in Hollywood, who advocated for gender equality. Her influence has, no doubt, improved industry standards.