Jessica Simpson Calls Out Natalie Portman For Shaming Her Bikini Pic
Published -
- December 6, 2018
- 10:59 pm
It’s the celebrity feud no one saw coming: In one corner, there’s pop star-turned-reality TV punchline Jessica Simpson …
And in the other corner, there’s Manic Pixie Dream Girl-turned brooding thespian Natalie Portman …
What important questions about body image and media portrayal of women does this exchange raise?
On December 5, 2018, Jessica Simpson took to Instagram to share a photo of herself in a bikini, proudly showing off her post-baby body. However, what was meant to be a celebration of her hard work was met with criticism from actress Natalie Portman.
In an interview with USA Today, Portman referred to Simpson’s 1999 music video for “I Wanna Love You Forever” as an example of how the entertainment industry sexualizes women. She then proceeded to call out the singer’s recent bikini photo, saying, “I’m sorry but that’s not what I want my girls to see. I want them to see women who are not only beautiful but who are also doing something meaningful with their lives.”
Simpson, clearly hurt by Portman’s comments, took to Instagram once again to defend herself. In her caption, she wrote, “I have always respected Natalie and everyone’s opinion, but I cannot sit back and allow someone to shun women who are confident in themselves and their bodies.”
Simpson went on to explain that her bikini photo was not about seeking validation from others, but rather about celebrating her own physical accomplishments. She also reminded Portman that women should be able to wear whatever they want without fear of judgment or criticism.
The exchange between Simpson and Portman raises important questions about body image and the media’s portrayal of women. While it’s important to acknowledge and combat the sexualization of women in entertainment, it’s equally important to celebrate and empower women who are confident in their own skin.
Furthermore, the idea that a woman’s physical appearance and her “meaningful” accomplishments are mutually exclusive is both outdated and harmful. Women should be able to pursue their goals and also feel good about themselves, regardless of their dress size or beauty standards.
In conclusion, while Portman’s intentions may have been well-meaning, her comments ultimately perpetuate the harmful idea that women’s bodies should be policed and shamed. Jessica Simpson’s response was a powerful reminder that women should be able to celebrate their own bodies without fear of judgment or shame. Let us all strive to create a world where women’s bodies are celebrated and their accomplishments are respected, no matter what they choose to wear.
