‘I played dead’: How Meryl Streep saved herself during an assault

While speaking at the International Press Freedom Awards this week, Meryl Streep opened up about her own personal experience of physical violence.

After paying tribute to the bravery exhibited by journalists in certain circumstances around the world, Meryl, who turned 68 in June, said: "I do know something about real terror."

In a hugely emotive speech, the Oscar-winner recalled once having to play dead in a desperate attempt to save her own life.

"The two times in my life when I was threatened and dealt with real physical violence, I learned something about life that I wouldn't have known otherwise, and I was lucky because my instincts served me well."

"In one instance, I played dead and waited until the blows stopped. Watching, like people say you do from about 50 feet above, where I was beaten."

Meryl goes onto recall another instance in which she bore witness to an attack on another woman, saying: "I just went completely nuts and went after this man."

The footage, which has been shared on Twitter, has amassed considerable engagement, with one Twitter user writing: "Amazing woman actress and if sharing her experience gets publicised then maybe someone else will know they are not alone."

Take a look here…