11 Female Hollywood Celebs Who Went From Beloved To Despised Overnight

The world has been unfair to women. Even when they gain Hollywood renown, they still face challenges that reveal the persistent inequalities women endure.

The media has always been particularly harsh on women, and it’s even worse for those in the public eye. Being a woman in society comes with its own set of challenges, but when you add fame into the mix, the pressure intensifies.

Famous women are constantly under scrutiny, with the world watching their every move and waiting for them to make a mistake. The level of judgment they face is relentless, making it incredibly difficult to navigate life in the spotlight.

The criticism and sexism that famous women endure far exceed what the average person experiences. People often forget that celebrities are real human beings with emotions.

The anonymity of the internet makes it easy for individuals to share sexist opinions without considering the impact of their words. Unfortunately, the media doesn’t just overlook this behavior—it amplifies it.

Every misstep or perceived flaw is blown out of proportion and turned into a headline, reinforcing harmful stereotypes. This cycle of negativity keeps women in the public eye under constant pressure to meet unrealistic expectations, highlighting just how unfairly they are treated.

Why are people so relentless at tearing women down?

via X

Think of it as social media’s “White Boy of the Month,” but with a complete twist.

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Anne Hathaway

In one of the most baffling cases of a woman receiving tons of hate for no good reason, Anne went from being adored to suddenly reviled by a group of internet users in what became known as #HathaHate back in the early 2010s.

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The Double Bind of Fame

Dr. Amy Cuddy, a social psychologist known for her work on power dynamics and body language, highlights the unique pressures faced by women in the public eye.

She explains that female celebrities often navigate a double bind: they are expected to be likable and relatable while also successful and assertive.

This paradox can lead to swift public backlash when they defy traditional expectations, resulting in a sudden shift from admiration to disdain.

As Cuddy emphasizes, awareness of this societal bias can empower women to manage their public personas more confidently.

Coping with Public Backlash

Dr. Carol Dweck, a leading researcher in motivation, highlights the power of a growth mindset in overcoming public backlash.

She explains that viewing criticism as an opportunity for growth can help female celebrities reframe their experiences and learn from them.

Dweck’s research suggests that those who adopt a growth mindset are more resilient and better equipped to handle negative public perception.

Implementing strategies like self-reflection and seeking constructive feedback can transform these challenges into stepping stones for personal and professional development.

Jennifer Lawrence

Interestingly, Jennifer found herself in the spotlight alongside Anne during the #HathaHate era, with many articles drawing comparisons between Jennifer’s popular “cool girl” image and Anne’s. However, as time went on, the internet grew disenchanted with Jennifer as well.

As you might guess, this led to a wave of baseless hate directed toward her.

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Jennifer Lopez

J.Lo has had her fair share of controversial moments, but there’s no doubt that the hate directed toward her can become extreme.

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Kendall Jenner

Likewise, Kendall has endured a great deal of online backlash over the years. Even though she and the Kardashian/Jenner family often spark strong opinions, it’s hard not to see how the sheer volume of hate she faces can feel disproportionate.

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According to Dr. Helen Fisher, a biological anthropologist, societal narratives around women can shift dramatically based on perceived notions of desirability and morality.

When female celebrities are scrutinized for their personal decisions or relationships, it often reflects broader cultural stigmas regarding women's autonomy.

Fisher notes that these societal pressures can create a toxic environment, pushing women into a defensive posture, which can further alienate them from their supporters.

Understanding these dynamics can help women navigate their public image more effectively, fostering resilience against criticism.

Jenna Ortega

Jenna rose to prominence in 2022 with her role in the hit Netflix series Wednesday. However, it wasn't long before online users grew weary of her and began criticizing the dark, moody vibe that had initially won her so much praise.

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Sydney Sweeney

Before the debates over her family’s political views or her financial matters took center stage, Sydney endured a torrent of unrelenting criticism focused solely on her nude scenes in Euphoria and her appearance.

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Halle Bailey

Halle faced a wave of racist criticism when she landed the role of Ariel in The Little Mermaid in 2019. On top of that, she’s been slammed online for her relationship with rapper DDG and for keeping her pregnancy under wraps last year.

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The Role of Media Representation

Media representation plays a crucial role in shaping public perception, as noted by Dr. George Couros, an education expert focused on innovation.

He argues that the narratives created around female celebrities often lack nuance, reducing complex individuals to mere stereotypes.

This oversimplification can lead to rapid shifts in public opinion, where a star is adored one moment and vilified the next.

To combat this, Couros suggests promoting diverse stories and voices in media to create a richer understanding of women’s experiences.

Millie Bobby Brown

After becoming a star on Netflix’s Stranger Things, Millie was labeled as annoying by many online users who thought she was “over the top.” The trolling became so intense that Millie even said she was afraid to walk down the street.

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Brie Larson

When Brie starred as the lead in Captain Marvel (2019), the first Marvel superhero film with a female lead, she unfortunately faced a lot of misogynistic backlash from MCU fans.

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Angelina Jolie

Angelina is adored now, but she was heavily criticized in the early 2000s, particularly because of her notorious divorces from Billy Bob Thornton and Jonny Lee Miller. When Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston's marriage ended, Angelina was unfairly targeted, even though her relationship with Brad began while they were filming Mr. & Mrs. Smith.

Following their split, some blogs dubbed her the most despised woman in Hollywood.

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Therapists recommend that female celebrities develop strong support networks to help manage the pressures of public scrutiny.

Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a relationship therapist, emphasizes the importance of cultivating authentic relationships both inside and outside their professional lives.

Building these connections can provide a safe space for reflection and personal growth, enabling celebrities to weather public criticism more effectively.

Moreover, engaging in mindfulness practices can help these women maintain a sense of self amidst external chaos, fostering resilience in challenging times.

Anna Gunn

After portraying Skyler White, one of TV’s most disliked characters, in Breaking Bad, Anna was hit with a torrent of criticism from fans who couldn't separate her from her role.

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Sexism is still a major issue, affecting all women significantly, and it's even worse for those in the spotlight. Female celebrities receive more hate simply because they're visible, demonstrating how society loves to blame strong, successful women for its problems.

It's a tough fight, but it's one many are facing.

Behavioral Analysis & Pathways Forward

In a world where female celebrities often face intense scrutiny, understanding the underlying societal dynamics is crucial. Experts like Dr. Amy Cuddy and Dr. Helen Fisher shed light on how public perception can swiftly shift, emphasizing the need for resilience and support. By fostering authentic connections and embracing a growth mindset, these women can navigate the complexities of fame more effectively. Ultimately, creating a culture that promotes diverse narratives and understanding can lead to a more supportive environment for all women in the spotlight.