The Untold Story: 7 Shocking Secrets Sharon Stone Revealed About The Infamous 'Opening Legs' Scene

The iconic, controversial scene from the 1992 erotic thriller Basic Instinct, where Sharon Stone’s character, Catherine Tramell, uncrosses her legs during a police interrogation, remains one of the most talked-about moments in cinema history, even today in late 2025. This single, brief shot catapulted Stone to global superstardom, transforming her from a working actress into a global sex symbol and an undeniable Hollywood icon.

Yet, the story behind the camera is far more complex and troubling than the seductive image on screen. Over three decades later, Stone continues to provide fresh, candid details—many documented in her 2021 memoir, The Beauty of Living Twice—about the power dynamics, the alleged deception by the production team, and the profound personal and professional fallout that followed the film’s massive success.

Sharon Stone: A Brief Biography and Career Profile

Sharon Vonne Stone is an American actress, producer, and former fashion model whose career spans over four decades. Born on March 10, 1958, in Meadville, Pennsylvania, her early life involved studying creative writing and fine arts before moving to New York to pursue modeling with the Ford Agency. Her transition to acting began in the early 1980s, but it was her role as the manipulative, bisexual crime novelist Catherine Tramell in the 1992 film Basic Instinct that cemented her place in cinematic history.

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• Full Name: Sharon Vonne Stone
• Born: March 10, 1958 (Age 67 in 2025)
• Birthplace: Meadville, Pennsylvania, U.S.
• Major Breakthrough: Catherine Tramell in Basic Instinct (1992)
• Critical Acclaim: Ginger McKenna in Casino (1995)
• Key Awards & Nominations:
  • Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama (Casino, 1996)
  • Academy Award Nomination for Best Actress (Casino, 1996)
  • Emmy Award (Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for The Practice, 2004)
  • Two MTV Movie Awards (for Basic Instinct)
• Memoir: The Beauty of Living Twice (Published 2021)

The Interrogation Scene: Deception, Controversy, and the Director’s Denial

The infamous interrogation scene, which features Catherine Tramell being questioned by a room full of male police detectives, is a masterclass in psychological warfare and sexual power play. The character, a brilliant and wealthy author of crime novels, uses her sheer confidence and manipulative sex appeal to turn the tables on her interrogators, led by Detective Nick Curran (Michael Douglas).

The most shocking moment, however, was the brief flash when Tramell uncrosses her legs, revealing she is wearing no underwear. This moment, which has been analyzed for decades, is the core of the film's lasting controversy, and Stone’s recent comments have only reignited the debate.

1. The Allegation of Being Misled

In her memoir and subsequent interviews, Stone has repeatedly stated she was misled by director Paul Verhoeven and the production team. She claims she was told the white dress would reflect too much light and was instructed to remove her underwear, with the assurance that nothing would be visible. Stone alleges she did not see the final, revealing cut of the scene until a test screening with a room full of agents and lawyers.

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2. Paul Verhoeven's Conflicting Account

Director Paul Verhoeven has consistently disputed Stone's version of events. He claims that he pitched the idea of the uncrossed legs moment to Stone, and she loved it, believing it was essential for the character's manipulative nature. This direct contradiction between the star and the director highlights the ongoing tension and differing perspectives on the ethics of the scene's creation.

3. The 'Icon' vs. 'Respect' Paradox

A key takeaway from Stone's recent reflections is the complex legacy of the scene. She acknowledges that the moment was pivotal, stating, "It made me an icon, but it didn't bring me respect." This powerful quote summarizes the duality of her breakthrough role: it brought her fame and status but also led to decades of being objectified and struggling to be taken seriously as a dramatic actress.

Why Sharon Stone Chose to Keep the Scene in the Film

Despite her initial shock and feeling betrayed, Sharon Stone had the legal right to demand the controversial shot be removed from the final cut of Basic Instinct. Her decision to let it remain is perhaps the most fascinating twist in the story, revealing her commitment to the film's artistic vision and the power of her character, Catherine Tramell.

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4. The Legal Right to Censor

After the screening incident, Stone consulted with her lawyer, who confirmed she had the right to block the use of the shot. This was a critical moment where the actress had full control over the final image.

5. The Decision for 'The Movie's Sake'

Stone ultimately chose not to remove the scene. Her reasoning was that, despite her personal feelings of discomfort, the shot worked perfectly within the context of the film and for the character of Catherine Tramell. She believed it made the movie better, showing a professional dedication to the project over her personal objection. This choice highlights the difficult balance between an actor's personal boundaries and the demands of an erotic thriller genre film.

6. A Commentary on Censorship in Cinema

The entire controversy became a flashpoint for discussions about censorship, especially within the context of 1990s cinema. Stone’s willingness to stand by the shot—even if reluctantly—helped solidify the film's reputation as a groundbreaking, boundary-pushing work, which went on to be a massive box office success and a defining example of the neo-noir genre.

7. The Long-Term Impact on Her Career

The role earned Stone her first Golden Globe nomination and led directly to her Oscar-nominated, critically acclaimed role in Martin Scorsese's Casino (1995). While the "opening legs" scene created a persistent image that she had to fight against for years, it undeniably opened the door to the most significant roles of her career, confirming its status as a double-edged sword. Her memoir, The Beauty of Living Twice, serves as her final, definitive word on the entire experience, allowing her to reclaim the narrative of the icon she became.