Actresses Who Championed Causes But Got Called Out as Hypocrites

Many Hollywood stars use their massive platforms to advocate for social change or environmental protection. These public stances often bring significant attention to important global issues and various charitable organizations. However the public frequently scrutinizes these celebrities when their personal lifestyle choices seem to contradict their advocacy. This scrutiny can lead to intense debates about the sincerity of celebrity activism in the modern age.

Emma Watson

Emma Watson became a prominent face for sustainable fashion and gender equality through her work with the United Nations. She launched the HeForShe campaign to encourage men to support women’s rights globally. Critics pointed to her appearance in ‘Vanity Fair’ as contradictory to her feminist message due to the nature of the photography. Others questioned her commitment to tax transparency after her name appeared in the Panama Papers database. She maintained that the offshore company was established for privacy rather than financial gain.

Jane Fonda

Jane Fonda is well known for her long history of political activism and environmental protests. She started Fire Drill Fridays to demand action on climate change and has been arrested multiple times for the cause. Critics often point to her frequent use of private jets and her luxury lifestyle as inconsistent with her environmental message. These detractors argue that her personal carbon footprint outweighs the impact of her public demonstrations. She remains a vocal advocate for the planet despite the ongoing criticism regarding her travel habits.

Jennifer Lawrence

Jennifer Lawrence wrote a widely shared essay about the gender pay gap after the Sony Pictures hack revealed salary discrepancies. She starred in ‘Red Sparrow’ and ‘The Hunger Games’ while advocating for equal pay in the film industry. Some observers called her out for continuing to work with brands and individuals that have faced their own controversies regarding treatment of women. Others noted that her high earnings make her relatable struggles difficult for the average worker to grasp. She has continued to support various social causes through her foundation.

Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep has long been considered a champion for women in film and was a vocal supporter of the Me Too movement. She frequently uses her acceptance speeches to highlight social issues and political concerns. She faced backlash when she claimed to have no knowledge of the behavior of Harvey Weinstein despite their long working relationship. Critics argued that her public stance against harassment felt insincere given her past praise for the producer. She eventually released a statement clarifying that she was unaware of the specific allegations at the time.

Gwyneth Paltrow

Gwyneth Paltrow transitioned from an Oscar winning actress in ‘Shakespeare in Love’ to a wellness mogul with her brand Goop. She champions natural living and alternative health practices through her various digital platforms. The company has been called out multiple times for promoting products that lack scientific evidence or make unsubstantiated health claims. Critics label her a hypocrite for selling expensive items that are inaccessible to the average person while preaching about general wellness. She has paid several settlements related to these marketing claims over the years.

Shailene Woodley

Shailene Woodley is an outspoken environmentalist who was famously arrested during protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline. She often speaks about living a low impact lifestyle and foraging for her own food. Critics pointed out her hypocrisy when she became a brand ambassador for high end fashion companies that utilize fast fashion practices. These partnerships seemed at odds with her public rejection of consumerism and industrial waste. She continues to use her social media presence to highlight indigenous rights and ecological preservation.

Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman used the 2018 Golden Globes stage to highlight the lack of female nominees in the directing category. She wore a custom cape to the Oscars that featured the names of snubbed female directors to further her point. Critics quickly noted that her own production company had almost exclusively hired male directors for its projects. This led to accusations that she was not practicing the inclusion she publicly demanded from others. She starred in ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ while continuing to advocate for gender parity in Hollywood.

Gal Gadot

Gal Gadot gained international fame for her role in ‘Wonder Woman’ and often promotes messages of peace and global unity. She organized a viral video during the pandemic where celebrities sang ‘Imagine’ to encourage solidarity. The public response was largely negative with many calling the video tone deaf and hypocritical coming from wealthy stars in isolation. Others pointed to her past comments regarding military conflicts as a contradiction to her message of universal harmony. She later admitted that the video did not have the intended positive effect on the public.

Brie Larson

Brie Larson has been a vocal advocate for diversity in film criticism and the entertainment industry at large. She used her press tours for ‘Captain Marvel’ to demand more inclusive representation among journalists. Some critics labeled her hypocritical for her partnerships with luxury brands that have limited diversity in their executive ranks. Others felt her approach was exclusionary and did not reflect the collaborative spirit of the industry. She remains active in promoting the Time’s Up movement and other social justice initiatives.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas

Priyanka Chopra serves as a UN Goodwill Ambassador and often speaks about the importance of global peace and children’s rights. She faced intense criticism after posting a tweet that appeared to support military action during a period of international tension. Critics argued that her public endorsement of conflict was entirely inconsistent with her role as a peace ambassador. The incident sparked a heated exchange during a public appearance where she was questioned about her stance. She has since focused her efforts on humanitarian work in various regions around the world.

Lena Dunham

Lena Dunham became a prominent voice for millennial feminism through her work on the series ‘Girls’ and her newsletter. She frequently writes about the importance of believing survivors of sexual assault and supporting women. She was called out as a hypocrite when she publicly defended a male colleague on her show who was accused of assault. The backlash was swift and she eventually issued an apology for her initial comments. This event caused many of her followers to question the sincerity of her public advocacy.

Scarlett Johansson

Scarlett Johansson was a long time ambassador for Oxfam and supported their global poverty relief efforts. She stepped down from the role after facing criticism for her partnership with the company SodaStream. The brand operated a factory in a disputed territory which Oxfam argued was a violation of international law and human rights. Critics called her a hypocrite for prioritizing a lucrative endorsement deal over her humanitarian commitments. She starred in ‘Black Widow’ while continuing to navigate the balance between commercial interests and activism.

Anne Hathaway

Anne Hathaway has spoken frequently about the importance of environmental conservation and reducing waste. She starred in ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ and later used her platform to advocate for a more sustainable lifestyle. She was called out when photographs surfaced showing her use of large amounts of plastic packaging and disposable goods. Detractors argued that her personal habits did not match the green image she projected in interviews. She has since acknowledged the difficulty of maintaining a perfectly sustainable life in the modern world.

Alyssa Milano

Alyssa Milano was instrumental in the viral resurgence of the Me Too movement and has been a leading activist for women’s rights. She frequently attends protests and uses her social media to hold powerful men accountable for their actions. Critics accused her of hypocrisy when she supported a political figure facing similar allegations to those she had previously condemned. They argued that her activism seemed to be influenced by political leanings rather than a consistent moral standard. She has defended her positions while continuing her work in the political sphere.

Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon is a major proponent of female empowerment through her production company Hello Sunshine. She focuses on telling women’s stories in films like ‘Wild’ and the series ‘Big Little Lies’ to improve representation. She faced a significant public relations crisis after her arrest for disorderly conduct during which she questioned the authority of the police. Critics called her a hypocrite for her behavior which seemed to contradict her public persona of being professional and grounded. She issued a public apology and has since focused on her business ventures and acting.

Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie is one of the most famous humanitarians in the world through her extensive work with the UN. She has visited numerous conflict zones and advocated for the rights of refugees for decades. She faced backlash during the production of her film ‘First They Killed My Father’ over the methods used to cast children. Critics argued that the process was emotionally manipulative and inconsistent with her image as a protector of children. She denied the allegations and emphasized her commitment to the well being of everyone involved in the project.

Susan Sarandon

Susan Sarandon is known for her lifelong commitment to social justice and her vocal criticism of corporate influence in politics. She frequently participates in rallies for various progressive causes and has been arrested during protests. She faced significant backlash from within her own community for her stance during the 2016 election cycle. Critics argued that her refusal to support a specific candidate led to outcomes that harmed the very marginalized groups she claimed to protect. She maintains that her political choices are based on long term systemic change.

Amber Heard

Amber Heard wrote op eds about surviving domestic violence and became an ambassador for the American Civil Liberties Union. She used her platform to speak about the legal challenges faced by victims of abuse. During a high profile defamation trial with her former husband the public heard recordings that complicated her narrative of advocacy. Critics called her a hypocrite for her own behavior described during the proceedings which they felt undermined the cause she championed. The trial resulted in a complex public debate about truth and celebrity activism.

Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres built her brand on the mantra of being kind to everyone and supporting charitable causes. She hosted ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’ for many years and was seen as a symbol of positivity in Hollywood. Her reputation suffered significantly when reports emerged alleging a toxic and exclusionary work environment behind the scenes. Critics argued that the disconnect between her public persona and the reality of her production office was the height of hypocrisy. She eventually apologized and ended the show after several more seasons.

Jada Pinkett Smith

Jada Pinkett Smith created ‘Red Table Talk’ as a space for radical honesty and discussing deep personal issues. She often champions the idea of transparency in relationships and mental health awareness. She was called out by the public after revealing details about an entanglement she had while married. Many fans felt her previous advice on marriage and commitment was hypocritical given her own personal choices. She addressed the controversy directly on her show to explain her perspective on the situation.

Sarah Jessica Parker

Sarah Jessica Parker has often spoken about the importance of female friendship and her support for her fellow actresses. She starred in ‘Sex and the City’ which is celebrated as a landmark series for women’s relationships. She was labeled a hypocrite during a very public feud with her costar Kim Cattrall who claimed the set was a toxic environment. Critics noted that her public displays of affection for her costars did not seem to match the private reality described by others. She has consistently denied the existence of a feud while expressing her love for the franchise.

Lea Michele

Lea Michele posted messages of support for diversity and the Black Lives Matter movement on her social media accounts. She starred in the hit series ‘Glee’ and was often seen as a champion for the underdog characters on the show. Former costars quickly came forward to describe her own behavior as bullying and racially insensitive during production. These allegations led to a widespread call out of her hypocrisy regarding her public stance on inclusion. She apologized for her past actions and acknowledged that she had a lot of personal growth to do.

Chrissy Teigen

Chrissy Teigen was known for her relatable online persona and her vocal stance against cyberbullying and cruelty. She frequently used her platform to call out public figures for their behavior toward others. She faced a major career setback when past messages she sent to a teenager were brought to light. Critics called her a massive hypocrite for engaging in the very behavior she had spent years condemning in others. She took a hiatus from social media and issued multiple apologies for her past conduct.

Rose McGowan

Rose McGowan was one of the first and most vocal figures in the Me Too movement against industry predators. She wrote a memoir detailing her experiences and became a leading voice for survivors of sexual assault. She was called out as a hypocrite after making comments that were perceived as transphobic and exclusionary. Other activists argued that her brand of feminism was not intersectional and failed to support all women. She has since remained a controversial figure in the landscape of modern activism.

Blake Lively

Blake Lively frequently promotes her brand of lifestyle perfection and has often spoken about cultural appreciation. She starred in ‘Gossip Girl’ and has become a major fashion icon on the red carpet. She and her husband faced intense criticism for holding their wedding at a former slave plantation in South Carolina. Critics called her a hypocrite for romanticizing a site of historical trauma while presenting a socially conscious image. She later expressed deep regret for the choice and acknowledged the mistake.

Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift has used her music and platform to advocate for gender equality and the rights of artists. She starred in ‘Cats’ and has been a vocal supporter of the LGBTQ community in her recent work. She has been called out for her exceptionally high carbon footprint resulting from frequent private jet travel. Detractors argue that her environmental impact contradicts any message of social responsibility she promotes. She has also faced criticism for her selective approach to political activism throughout her career.

Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez often speaks about the importance of mental health and the negative impact of social media on young people. She starred in ‘Only Murders in the Building’ and has used her brand to fund mental health resources. She was called out for hypocrisy when she became involved in public social media drama with other celebrities. Fans argued that her participation in online feuds was inconsistent with her message of kindness and digital wellness. She has since taken multiple breaks from social media to focus on her personal well being.

Demi Lovato

Demi Lovato has been a longtime advocate for body positivity and mental health awareness after her own public struggles. She often speaks out against diet culture and the pressures of the entertainment industry. She was called out for hypocrisy after she publicly attacked a small frozen yogurt shop for carrying sugar free products. Critics argued that her attempt to shame a small business was a misuse of her power and contradicted her message of compassion. She eventually apologized for the misunderstanding and clarified her intentions.

Amy Schumer

Amy Schumer has built her career on feminist comedy and advocating for women’s reproductive rights. She frequently participates in protests and uses her stand up specials to highlight gender inequality. She has been called out multiple times for allegations of joke theft and for past material that was labeled as racially insensitive. Critics argue that her brand of feminism often excludes the experiences of women of color. She has addressed some of the controversies while continuing her work as a comedian and actress.

Jessica Alba

Jessica Alba founded The Honest Company to provide parents with safe and natural products for their children. She starred in ‘Fantastic Four’ and used her fame to build a massive wellness empire based on clean living. The company faced multiple lawsuits alleging that their products contained synthetic ingredients and were not as natural as advertised. Critics called her a hypocrite for marketing a lifestyle that the products themselves did not fully embody. She has worked to reform the company’s formulations and improve transparency for consumers.

Felicity Huffman

Felicity Huffman was known for her work on ‘Desperate Housewives’ and her public support for various educational charities. She often spoke about the importance of hard work and integrity in parenting. She was called out as a hypocrite after being arrested for her involvement in the varsity blues college admissions scandal. The public was shocked to learn she had paid to have her daughter’s test scores illegally inflated. She pleaded guilty and served a short prison sentence for her role in the scheme.

Lori Loughlin

Lori Loughlin portrayed wholesome characters on ‘Full House’ and became a staple of family friendly television. She frequently promoted the values of honesty and family dedication in her public life. She faced a massive wave of criticism when she was charged with bribery to secure her daughters’ admission to a top university. Critics argued that her actions were the height of hypocrisy given her public persona of moral uprightness. She and her husband both served time in prison after pleading guilty to the charges.

Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington is a highly respected actress in ‘Scandal’ and a dedicated activist for environmental and social causes. She works closely with organizations that focus on sustainability and civic engagement. She has faced criticism for her frequent use of private jets which are known to have a significant environmental impact. Detractors argue that her luxury travel habits undermine her public message regarding the climate crisis. She continues to be a leading voice in Hollywood for various political movements.

Julia Roberts

Julia Roberts has narrated documentaries about nature and has long been associated with environmental conservation efforts. She starred in ‘Erin Brockovich’ which told the story of a real life environmental activist fighting corporate pollution. She was called out when reports surfaced regarding the extremely high water usage at her California estate during a severe drought. Critics pointed out the hypocrisy of her environmental advocacy while her personal residence consumed vast amounts of resources. She has since made efforts to implement more sustainable practices on her property.

Nicole Kidman

Nicole Kidman has served as a Goodwill Ambassador for UN Women with a focus on ending violence against women. She has traveled the world to speak with survivors and advocate for legal protections. She was called out for hypocrisy for her decision to work with directors who have been accused of various forms of misconduct. Critics argued that her professional choices should reflect the values she promotes in her humanitarian work. She has defended her career decisions while remaining committed to her roles with the UN.

Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron is a vocal advocate for animal rights and has worked with organizations to prevent cruelty. She starred in ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ and often uses her platform to promote environmental causes. She has been called out for wearing fur and leather in high fashion campaigns and on the red carpet. Critics argue that promoting these materials is inconsistent with her public stance on animal welfare. She has also faced scrutiny for the environmental impact of her frequent international travel for work.

Zendaya

Zendaya is often praised for her focus on sustainability and her thoughtful approach to the fashion industry. She starred in ‘Dune’ and has used her red carpet appearances to highlight vintage and eco friendly designs. She faced some criticism for her partnership with fast fashion brands that have questionable labor and environmental records. Fans felt that these lucrative deals contradicted her public commitment to ethical fashion. She has since focused more on collaborations with brands that align with her stated values.

Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez has been involved in numerous humanitarian efforts and has spoken about the importance of human rights globally. She starred in ‘Hustlers’ and ‘Selena’ while building a global brand that reaches millions of fans. She faced significant backlash for performing at private events for world leaders with poor human rights records. Critics labeled her a hypocrite for accepting large payments from regimes that suppress the freedoms she claims to support. Her representatives have stated that these performances do not imply an endorsement of the leaders’ policies.

Catherine Zeta-Jones

Catherine Zeta-Jones has been a public advocate for mental health awareness and has shared her own personal struggles. She starred in ‘Chicago’ and ‘The Mask of Zorro’ while supporting various health related charities. She was called out by some critics for her extremely lavish lifestyle which they felt made her struggles seem less relatable to the public. Others argued that her advocacy should be more focused on the accessibility of care for those without her resources. She remains a supporter of various medical foundations and mental health initiatives.

Daryl Hannah

Daryl Hannah is a dedicated environmental activist who has been arrested multiple times for participating in climate protests. She starred in ‘Kill Bill’ and lives on a sustainable farm to reduce her ecological impact. She was called out for the environmental footprint of some of her properties and her travel requirements for film projects. Critics pointed out that even the most dedicated activists often struggle to live a perfectly green life in the modern age. She continues to prioritize environmental causes in her personal and professional life.

Tell us which of these celebrity call outs surprised you the most in the comments.