The recent documentary titled Call Her Alex, streaming on Hulu, offers a deep and compelling glimpse into the life of podcaster Alex Cooper. It not only chronicles her rise to fame but bravely confronts troubling personal experiences that have shaped her identity and professional path. Cooper, who is renowned for her podcast Call Her Daddy, shares her backstory in a way that is both vulnerable and empowering, discussing her childhood bullying, experiences as an athlete, and harrowing allegations of sexual harassment against her former coach at Boston University.
Childhood Memories of Bullying
Cooper’s story begins in her formative years, where she faced severe bullying. On-screen, she expresses distress over her childhood experiences, recounting insults from her male classmates that centered on her appearance, particularly her red hair. “I hated myself. All I wanted them to do was like me,” she recalls, underlining a painful quest for acceptance.
This reflection sets the stage for understanding Cooper’s passion for connection and her eventual success in podcasting, where the feeling of community and shared stories has become crucial for her.
Complicated Athletic Journey
Transitioning into her collegiate years, Cooper’s life took another turn as she became a Division 1 soccer player at Boston University from 2013 to 2015. Here, her experiences became increasingly complex due to her relationship with her coach, Nancy Feldman. Cooper alleges that Feldman subjected her to unwanted attention, often fixating on her personal life and appearance.
“I came in ready to work… when my coach started to pay extra attention to me… It was confusing,” Cooper noted in the documentary. The focus shifted from her athletic prominence to her personal life, which indeed disrupted the team’s dynamics and her own performance.
Allegations of Harassment
Throughout Call Her Alex, Cooper provides detailed accounts of the harassment she faced from Feldman. From inappropriate comments regarding her body to invasive questions about her relationships, Cooper felt cornered. “It felt like a psychotic game of, ‘Do you want to play? Tell me about your sex life,’” she described, revealing the twisted manipulation she faced.
She speaks on being summoned to what she believed were typical meetings for reviews of her performance, only to find the topics shifting towards her personal life. This series of events left her feeling deeply uncomfortable and impacted her confidence both on and off the field.
“I would be in preseason, my assistant coach would come over, ‘Coach needs to talk to you,’ and in those meetings, I was made to feel uncomfortable by her unwavering stare and inappropriate touches.”
Institutional Response
When Cooper and her parents approached the Boston University administration regarding Feldman’s conduct, they anticipated a serious investigation. Unfortunately, their experiences were entirely dismissed, and the university upheld Feldman’s position, leaving Cooper feeling betrayed by an institution she trusted. “No investigation, nothing. Within five minutes, they had entirely dismissed everything I had been through,” she lamented.
This lack of action underscores a broader issue of how institutions can fail their members, particularly in cases involving harassment, which can leave victims feeling voiceless and unsupported.
The Impact of Trauma
Cooper’s emotional journey culminated in a heart-wrenching revisit to the Boston University soccer field—a moment that brought back intense feelings of anger and helplessness. “I felt so small… Money, power, status, followers—none of it mattered,” she expressed, showcasing how the effects of her traumatic experiences lingered long past her college years.
Inspiration to Speak Out
As her documentary unfolds, it highlights a transformative moment for Cooper, where she realizes that her story might resonate with other women who have faced similar experiences. She learned of ongoing harassment happening at Boston University even years after she left, motivating her to advocate for change and empower others.
“If I didn’t speak up, what does that say about me? What does that say about all of the other women who have silently suffered?” she asks, epitomizing the fear and strength that many survivors face.
The Role of Media in Empowerment
Cooper’s story is also about the power of media. Through her podcast, she has been able to redefine narratives surrounding female empowerment, sexuality, and the importance of speaking up against injustice. She transitioned from a victim feeling ashamed of her experiences to a voice advocating for women’s rights.
Conclusion: A New Chapter
In Call Her Alex, Alex Cooper courageously unveils the painful layers of her past while reclaiming her narrative. Her journey from a troubled athlete to a celebrated podcaster symbolizes resilience and empowerment. As she continues to inspire others with her story, Cooper’s willingness to confront adversity encourages many to find strength in vulnerability.
As she moves forward, it becomes clear that Cooper is not just a voice in a booming podcast industry; she embodies the possibility of change and healing through storytelling.
