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The 2020 Oscars ceremony witnessed a significant moment of feminist activism when actress Natalie Portman arrived on the red carpet wearing a dress adorned with the names of female filmmakers. Actress and activist Rose McGowan, known for her courageous revelations about Harvey Weinstein that ignited the #MeToo movement, took to social media to express her disapproval of fellow actress Natalie Portman’s activism.
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McGowan’s lengthy Facebook post shed light on her frustration with what she perceived as“performative”activism on Portman’s part, raising questions about the evolution of the #MeToo movement and the impact of celebrity involvement in social causes.
Natalie Portman’s Statement Dress
Natalie Portman, a vocal advocate for gender equality in the entertainment industry, used her moment at the 92nd Academy Awards to send a powerful message. She donned a custom Dior cape dress with delicately embroidered names of overlooked female directors, includingGreta Gerwigand Lulu Wang. Portman aimed to draw attention to the lack of representation for women filmmakers, both in the Best Director category and the wider film industry.
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However, this display of support for women directors received criticism. Renowned activist and actorRose McGowanpublicly labeled Portman a“fraud,”sparking a heated debate about the authenticity and impact of celebrity-driven feminist activism.
Rose McGowan Criticized Natalie Portman’s Activism
In her Facebook post, McGowan expressed concern about Natalie Portman’s activism. While Portman’s intentions may be genuine, McGowan accused her of engaging in“performative”activism that fails to bring about tangible change. She argued that celebrities often attach themselves to causes merely to appear virtuous, without truly dedicating themselves to the arduous work required for long-lasting impact.
“What is it with actresses of your ilk? You ‘A-listers’ could change the world if you’d take a stand instead of being the problem,”she stated.“Yes, you, Natalie. You are the problem. Lip service is the problem. Fake support of other women is the problem.”
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McGowan’s contention is the stark contrast between the privilege celebrities have and the challenges faced by grassroots activists. For survivors and activists dedicated to justice and equality, this activism can seem insincere and disconnected from the actual challenges they face on a daily basis.
Natalie Portman’s Response to the Criticism
Natalie Portman responded to Rose McGowan’s claim by agreeing with her point about not being‘brave’for wearing the dress. Portman explained that she associates the term“brave”more strongly with the actions of women who testified againstHarvey Weinsteinunder immense pressure in the past few weeks.
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Portman acknowledged the significant increase in directing opportunities for women in recent years, credited to the collective efforts of many individuals calling out the system. She described the outcome of these efforts as a“gift”in the form of incredible films created by female directors. Portman expressed her hope that her decision to wear the dress as a nod to these women’s achievements would not divert attention from their tremendous accomplishments.
