Ashley Judd's Response to the Media About her "Puffy Face"

   By drodriguez  Apr 18, 2012
11

The media’s recent frenzy over Ashleys Judd’s “puffy faced” appearance seemed similar to the countless gossip reports we’ve heard in the past about the way celebrities change or how they choose to dress. But what made these reports a little different was the intelligent and obviously well-thought out response Judd herself made chastising the way media treats and talks about women.

News sources everywhere recently reported about a photo taken of Judd where her face looks a little plumper than usual. And from there, reporters went wild questioning and scrutinizing her appearance, asserting a variety of reasons why she looked a little different like plastic surgery, weight gain, a sinus infection, and more. So-called experts were called on to add their opinions of what type of surgeries she had done and why her cheeks looked plumper than usual.

A recent article from the Daily Beast transcribes all that Judd had to say on the “puffy face” reports that went viral and why she thinks this type of women under the microscope reporting is damaging.

Judd, who admittedly refrains from reading media about her, says she was urged to take part in the discussion by friends and family. After reading reports everywhere from gossip mags to reputable news outlets, Judd became outraged. She writes, “News outlets with whom I do serious work, such as publishing op-eds about preventing HIV, empowering poor youth worldwide, and conflict mineral mining in Democratic Republic of Congo, all ran this “story” without checking with my office first for verification, or offering me the dignity of the opportunity to comment. It’s an indictment of them that they would even consider the content printable, and that they, too, without using time-honored journalistic standards, would perpetuate with un-edifying delight such blatantly gendered, ageist, and mean-spirited content.”

What do you think about the way the media reported about Ashley Judd’s “puffy face”?

Do you think the way that the media analyzes and perceives a woman’s appearance is disturbing?
 

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aleanne78 by aleanne78 | DUCK RIVER, TN
Apr 19, 2012

It's very disturbing how the media behaves.. Good for you Ashley for standing up for yourself and doing in it a very tasteful way..

Easy2Save by Easy2Save | LEBANON, OR
Apr 19, 2012

Ashley Judd is such a smart person I love the way she handled this.

maineac by maineac | STANDISH, ME
Apr 19, 2012

Everyone ahead of me in this thread has said the things I've thought of... shame on the public for buying into and therefor perpetuating this kind of "media".

nipplina by nipplina | Brooklyn, NY
Apr 18, 2012

Society today is all about looking young and sexy. These people think because she's an actress she needs to look a certain way. What about her ability to act. I think they should all take a step back and look at themselves before casting the first stone.

rosepowell by rosepowell | FREDERICKSBRG, VA
Apr 18, 2012

I keep reminding myself that stars, actors, musicians, artists, etc., they're all people just like you and I, why we feel the need to follow them around and intrude upon their lives just because they are in the limelight baffles me.

boysnbugs by boysnbugs | Oakdale, PA
Apr 18, 2012

It's a sad reflection on society as a whole that our media outlets are engaged more in reporting weight gain/loss, facial flaws, sexual escapades, wardrobe, and etc, versus reporting on issues that may actually have an impact on us.

msfriendly by msfriendly | MONROE, WI
Apr 18, 2012

Why can't people worry about the important things?! The world would be a better place.

Zackmum by Zackmum | Cincinnati, OH
Apr 18, 2012

I don't think it's right to judge everyone on their looks..like the saying goes Don't judge a book by it's cover. I think people focus on imperfection on others because they have low self esteem themselves.

cocoabella by cocoabella | EL PASO, TX
Apr 18, 2012

I think society is far too focused on what people look lke opposed to their actions/personalities. I don't care if Judd had puffy cheeks from whatever reason. There are far more important issues going on that our media need be focused on. How about all the human slavery going on, the homeless families and starving children. Or if they must focus in on what celebs are doing, instead of pinpointing the celebs looks, how about they focus on the worthy causes that celebs are working on.

campingreg2 by campingreg2 | Leominster, MA
Apr 18, 2012

I just want to know if the people making these terrible comments are so totally perfect themselves that they feel they have the right to judge other people. It's just not right!

heavenly41 by heavenly41 | PORTLAND, OR
Apr 18, 2012

I do find it disturbing how the media is so focused on anyone's flaws. They will do close ups on their faces and point out the "horror" of acne, etc. HELLO! Really? They deem this necessary? No wonder people despise the media at times when they are famous. I'd be "hurt". There is so much I can say but will stop at this. I think Adele is beautiful, no matter how "big" the media has perceived and twisted womens perception of themselves to a certain degree