Debra Messing Says Director Stopped Filming Because Her Nose Was 'Ruining' the Movie

Stories of sexism in Hollywood are sadly all-too-common, but Debra Messing has revealed a new one that is shocking while also feeling all too pertinent in today's political landscape. 

Speaking at the Makers conference, Messing shared about her experiences with director Alfonso Arau on the 1995 flick A Walk in the Clouds, her first film. During a love scene with co-star Keanu Reeves—an already uncomfortable situation, mind you—Messing revealed that Arau interrupted filming to criticize the rising star's appearance: 

"We started filming and the very famous director screamed 'Cut!' and said, 'How quickly can we get a plastic surgeon in here? Her nose is ruining my movie.' I'd studied in London and I was so well-equipped with skill sets, and then to walk on set and have that happen—I was reduced to an un-Hollywood nose."