Note: This story discusses topics including sexual abuse.
1923 star Madison Elise Rogers has defended a controversial season 2 storyline in which her character Lindy performed abusive acts on her companion.
At the end of season 1 of the Yellowstone prequel series, business tycoon Donald Whitfield (Timothy Dalton) hired escorts Lindy and Christy (Cailyn Rice) and made them violently strike each other for his own pleasure.
In season 2, which is currently airing, it was revealed that Donald has kept the escorts around and that Lindy has now gained control over Christy, who the pair are still abusing.
Related: Yellowstone and It Ends With Us star Brandon Sklenar lands next movie role
Speaking to ScreenRant, Rogers said the dynamic in which an "obviously very dangerous" and powerful man has control over the pair feels realistic, saying her character was "brainwashed" by Donald.
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"For one, I think a lot of women can see themselves in a similar position or maybe have experience, to a smaller degree, of being in a situation with a man that's powerful and dangerous," Rogers said.
She continued: "I think that is scary, and I think there's something realistic about it. I feel like, if Whitfield existed, this would be something that actually happens. But I get it. I know it feels brutal, but I think it's showing this very real side of a dangerous man and how he abuses his power. These women are just collateral in his scheme.
Related: Yellowstone gets new UK home and is available now on Netflix
"Speaking of Lindy in particular, I took it as she is in this house with this very wealthy, very powerful, and obviously very dangerous man. I think he's given her this acceptance, or something along those lines, so I think she's feeling favored by him.
"I think it's also that she needs to survive. She is leaning into it, but I think she's completely been brainwashed. She's doing what she has to do, as gruesome as it is, and she's trying to get through what she's going through."
If you've been affected by the issues raised in this story, you can access more information from Rape Crisis England and Wales, which works towards the elimination of all forms of sexual violence and sexual misconduct, on its website or by calling the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999. Rape Crisis Scotland’s helpline number is 08088 01 03 02.
Readers in the US are encouraged to contact RAINN, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800-656-4673.
Reporter, Digital Spy
Harriet is a freelance news writer specialising in TV and movies at Digital Spy.
A horror enthusiast, she joined Digital Spy after working on her own horror website, reviewing films and focusing largely on feminism in the genre.
In her spare time, Harriet paints and produces mixed-media art. She graduated from the University of Kingston with a BA in fine art, where she specialised in painting. She also has an MA in journalism from Birkbeck University.
