Dakota Johnson Defends 'Fifty Shades:' It Doesn't Promote Abuse

In an interview with Digital Spy, Johnson says she doesn't see her character as a "weak, submissive victim."

Dakota Johnson, who plays Anastasia Steele in Fifty Shades of Grey, doesn't believe her character is a "weak, submissive victim," and she definitely doesn't buy the argument that the film promotes domestic violence.

In a video interview with Digital Spy Thursday, Johnson said, "I know that a lot of people, before seeing the movie, were thinking that maybe it's promoting abuse and violence, but I think it's actually doing the opposite."

A London activist group calling itself "50 Shades of Domestic Abuse" protested the premiere in Leicester Square Thursday, holding signs that read "Mr. Grey is a Rapist" and "Christian: Predator not Protector."

During the interview, Johnson added, "I really don't think that [Anastasia's] a weak, submissive victim. I think that she's a strong woman who is fearlessly exploring herself emotionally and sexually."

When asked about France's controversial "Under 12s" restriction on the film, Johnson said, "Whoa ... I think 12 is a bit young, but I don't know. Maybe there are some precocious 12 year olds in the world. It depends on the person."