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Bill Murray’s Unconventional Reaction to Menopause Discussion with Naomi Watts
During a recent appearance on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen, veteran actor Bill Murray sparked an unusual moment while actress Naomi Watts discussed her new book, Dare I Say It, centered on navigating menopause. As Watts shared insights into her menopause journey, Murray, 74, interjected in a bizarre fashion, drawing attention away from the important conversation.
Awkward Interruption During Serious Topic
The discussion took an unexpected turn when host Andy Cohen posed a question about menopause to Watts, 56. Cohen inquired, “What’s one thing about the menopause journey that you wish you knew as a younger woman?” Watts responded thoughtfully, explaining a common misconception: “That it’s not the end. We were told once you can no longer have babies, you’re chucked off into the pile and you’re useless.”
However, Watts’ insightful answer was abruptly disrupted. Mid-sentence, the actress began to laugh as Murray unexpectedly tossed a lime from his drink into the audience, creating a visibly awkward atmosphere in the studio.
“What is he doing?” Watts questioned, surprised by Murray’s conduct. Cohen, equally taken aback, simply stated, “He’s throwing limes.”
Watts Handles Interruption with Grace
Despite the bizarre interruption, Watts skillfully steered the conversation back to the pertinent topic. “No more drinking, Bill, I’m talking about menopause. Can you handle it?” she remarked, playfully but firmly addressing Murray’s disruptive action.
Murray paused, taking a sip from his drink before offering a somewhat delayed apology and allowing Watts to continue. “Give me one second,” Murray responded, before adding, “Alright, go ahead,” signaling a temporary ceasefire to his antics.
Advocating for Open Dialogue on Menopause
Watts then continued to articulate the importance of open conversation and education surrounding menopause. “We need to start with the education to remove shame,” Watts emphasized. “And help women feel like it is a time to thrive, not to disappear.” Her statement highlighted the book’s core message of empowering women during this life stage.
Murray Attempts to Redeem Himself
Seemingly recognizing the inappropriateness of his earlier actions, Murray then shifted focus, attempting to bring attention back to Watts’ book. He inquired about the title, giving Watts an opportunity to promote her new literary work, Dare I Say It: Everything I Wish I’d Known About Menopause, which was recently released.
“You got me twice,” Murray jested, referring to a prior instance he seemingly forgot the book title. “I asked her, ‘What’s the name of your book?’ She said, ‘Dare I Say It.’ I said, ‘Tell me the name of the damn book.’ The name of the book is Dare I Say It.” This playful exchange served as a lighter moment after the preceding awkwardness.
Diversion to Selena Gomez
Later in the program, Cohen directly questioned Murray about his understanding of menopause. However, instead of directly addressing the question at hand, Murray veered off-topic, bringing up actress and singer Selena Gomez.
“Let me just say that I don’t know Selena Gomez’s songs and I didn’t really know much about Selena Gomez, but when I met Selena Gomez and worked with her on the [2019] Jim Jarmusch movie [The Dead Don’t Die], I thought that’s an extraordinary person,” Murray stated, praising Gomez. “She is really a great person. … That girl can do anything.”
Watts humorously pointed out Murray’s avoidance of the original question, remarking, “You dodged the menopause question.”
Cohen’s Humorous Interpretation
Murray offered a brief, “Oh, yeah,” before Cohen interjected, offering a comedic interpretation of Murray’s deflection. Cohen jokingly suggested, “I think he’s trying to say that Selena Gomez will face it head-on,” which prompted laughter from both Watts and Murray.
Following Cohen’s humorous save, Murray then circled back, making a final, albeit indirect, plug for Watts’ book. Murray concluded, “Selena, if you’re out there, Dare I Say It, it’s available at all your bookstores.”