In the latest controversy to rock Hollywood, actress Margot Robbie has found herself at the center of a firestorm over a recent Vanity Fair profile that many have deemed š eš„ist and demeaning.
The in-depth feature, which was published in the magazine’s September issue, has been widely criticized for its heavy focus on Robbie’s physical appearance and overt š eš„ual imagery, rather than delving into the nuances of her acting career and creative process.
The article, written by author Rich Cohen, has been lambasted on social media for its objectifying language and reductive portrayal of the “Suicide Squad” star. One particularly egregious passage described Robbie as a “girl next door” with “an almost comical sense of purity” and noted that “she can be š eš„y and composed even while naked but only in character.”
Many have pointed out that the profile’s treatment of Robbie stands in stark contrast to how male actors are typically covered in the media, with the emphasis placed squarely on their talents and accomplishments rather than their physical attributes.
“The Vanity Fair piece on Margot Robbie is exactly the kind of š eš„ist, demeaning drivel we need to stop seeing in profiles of talented actresses,” tweeted film critic Katie Walsh. “Her work should be the focus, not how ‘š eš„y’ she is.”
Robbie herself has not publicly commented on the backlash, but the incident has reignited broader conversations about the industry’s long-standing objectification of women and the need for more nuanced, respectful coverage of female celebrities.
“This is a perfect example of how the media still struggles to discuss and portray successful women without resorting to outdated tropes and š eš„ist rhetoric,” said media studies professor Dr. Emily Nussbaum. “Margot Robbie is a gifted performer, and her work should be celebrated on its own merits, not reduced to superficial physical descriptors.”
As the controversy continues to reverberate, many are hopeful that the backlash will spur a reckoning within the media industry, leading to more thoughtful, equitable representations of female stars. For Robbie and other women in Hollywood, the hope is that their talent and contributions will finally be allowed to take center stage, rather than their appearance or perceived š eš„uality.