Paul Mescal Applauds Saoirse Ronan’s Viral Take on Women’s Safety

The Gladiator II star praises Ronan’s insightful comment on societal double standards during The Graham Norton Show

Paul Mescal recently reflected on a viral moment from The Graham Norton Show where his co-guest, Saoirse Ronan, highlighted the everyday safety concerns faced by women. Speaking on Patrick Kielty’s The Late Late Show, Mescal, known for Normal People and the upcoming Gladiator II, commended Ronan for sparking a much-needed conversation.

“As you said, you’re on a talk show like this and you’re kind of just talking, but I’m not surprised that the message received as much attention as it did because it’s massively important,” Mescal remarked. He praised Ronan’s intelligence and candor, adding, “She’s quite often — more often than not — the most intelligent person in the room, and she was spot-on. It’s good that messages like that are gaining traction. That’s the sort of conversation we should be having on a daily basis.”

The moment occurred during their appearance alongside Denzel Washington and Eddie Redmayne. While discussing self-defense techniques Redmayne learned for a role, Mescal joked about the impracticality of using a phone to fend off an assailant. As the men laughed, Ronan interjected with a poignant observation: “That’s what girls have to think about all the time. Am I right, ladies?” The audience erupted in applause, and Ronan’s comment quickly became a focal point of online discussions.

Though surprised by the reaction, Ronan later explained that her intention wasn’t to “make a splash” but to shed light on a reality that women navigate daily. “The boys weren’t debunking anything I was saying,” she clarified, “but it felt similar to conversations I have with friends about the experiences we go through every single day.”

Mescal, who described Ronan as a “dear friend,” shared that they had discussed these issues privately before the show. He emphasized the importance of platforms like The Graham Norton Show in amplifying such conversations.

“The accessibility of that moment, on a show watched by millions both in the UK and overseas, made it resonate even more,” Ronan noted. Her comment continues to inspire conversations about societal double standards and the urgent need to address women’s safety.