Profits to Victims' Charities

Anna Kendrick has made a powerful impact by dedicating her earnings from her directorial debut, Woman of the Hour, to benefit organizations aiding victims of violent crime and sexual assault.

Renowned for her memorable performances in Pitch Perfect and Alice, Darling, Kendrick steps into the director's role in her latest project, delving into the disturbing tale of Rodney Alcala — a 1970s serial killer who shockingly appeared as a charismatic contestant on The Dating Game during his crime spree. Both directing and starring in the film, Kendrick uses the project to shine a light on the troubling intersections of crime, media, and exploitation.

In a candid conversation on the Crime Junkie AF podcast, Kendrick explained her decision to forgo earnings from the project, which Netflix ultimately bought. “I asked myself the question, ‘Do you feel gross about this?’ And I did,” she shared, describing her unease with profiting from a story that deals with such dark themes. Following her reflection, Kendrick redirected her income from the project to RAINN and the National Center for Victims of Violent Crime — two of the largest non-profits in the U.S. committed to supporting survivors.

The star's decision has sparked admiration on social media, with many applauding her integrity and highlighting her as a role model for other celebrities handling sensitive topics. By dedicating her earnings, Kendrick aims to show that storytelling about trauma can also provide concrete support for those who’ve endured it. Through this move, she has redefined how Hollywood can approach narratives based on real, tragic events with sensitivity and accountability, setting a new standard for responsibility in entertainment.