Saoirse Ronan recently expressed her surprise at the overwhelming reaction to a viral clip from her appearance on The Graham Norton Show, where she discussed women’s safety. The Irish actress joined fellow stars Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, and Eddie Redmayne on the BBC One talk show last week. During the segment, Redmayne shared that he learned how to use his phone as a weapon while preparing for a role as an assassin in The Day of the Jackal.

Mescal then raised a pertinent question regarding the practicality of using a phone for self-defense in real-life situations. In response, Ronan highlighted a reality that many women face daily, saying, “That’s what girls have to think about all the time. Am I right ladies?” Her comment resonated with the audience and quickly gained traction on social media.

In an interview with Ryan Tubridy on Virgin Radio UK, Ronan reflected on the unexpected nature of the clip’s popularity. She noted that she didn’t intend to provoke such a strong reaction but felt it was essential to address these issues openly. She emphasized that this discussion sheds light on societal attitudes toward women’s safety and how important it is for women to communicate their experiences.

Ronan elaborated that conversations about safety often mirror those she has with her friends, underscoring that these concerns are part of their everyday lives. She remarked on how this moment has become an opportunity for more women to share their stories and experiences candidly.

She recounted an encounter with a woman who mentioned discussing their shared experiences with friends and husbands after watching Ronan’s interview. This conversation highlighted the concept of the “fake phone call,” a tactic some women use when they feel threatened; they pretend to be on a call to discourage potential attackers by suggesting they are connected to someone who could help.

Ronan’s comments have garnered praise for bringing attention to the challenges women face regularly. Elle writer Olivia Petter noted her contribution in highlighting these ongoing concerns that many women carry with them daily. Similarly, Guardian columnist Marina Hyde remarked on how common such conversations are among women, many of whom struggle to articulate their feelings in those moments.

Redmayne’s mention of using one’s phone defensively further sparked discussion about practical self-defense measures, while Mescal pointed out the difficulty of thinking clearly in such frightening situations.