Hollywood Actresses Getting the Most Backlash on Social Media

Social media has transformed the way the public interacts with celebrities and allows for immediate feedback on their actions or statements. Many actresses in Hollywood face intense scrutiny online for everything from casting choices to personal opinions. This digital environment often creates waves of backlash that can define a portion of their careers. The following actresses have all experienced significant periods of negative attention on various internet platforms.

Amber Heard

Amber Heard became the subject of intense online vitriol during her highly publicized defamation trial against Johnny Depp. Social media platforms were flooded with memes and hashtags that overwhelmingly favored her ex-husband while dissecting her courtroom testimony. The actress faced criticism for her behavior during the trial and the inconsistencies that users perceived in her statements. This digital backlash extended well beyond the verdict and impacted her public image significantly.

Jada Pinkett Smith

Jada Pinkett Smith has faced consistent criticism regarding her marriage to Will Smith and her talk show ‘Red Table Talk’. Many users expressed fatigue over the candid details she shared about her personal life and entanglements. The backlash intensified after the slap incident at the 2022 Academy Awards where observers scrutinized her reaction. Critics often accuse her of undermining her husband publicly through her open discussions about their relationship struggles.

Brie Larson

Brie Larson encountered a wave of negativity from certain corners of the internet following her casting in ‘Captain Marvel’. Her comments regarding the lack of diversity among film critics were interpreted by some fans as hostile toward male audiences. This led to review bombing campaigns and targeted harassment across social media platforms. Despite the financial success of her films the actress continues to face scrutiny from a vocal segment of the comic book community.

Lea Michele

Lea Michele faced a reckoning on social media when former co-stars accused her of creating a toxic work environment on the set of ‘Glee’. Actors came forward with stories of microaggressions and difficult behavior that tarnished her reputation as a theater darling. The backlash resulted in a loss of sponsorship deals and a temporary retreat from the public eye. She later returned to Broadway but the online conversation often circles back to these past allegations.

Rachel Zegler

Rachel Zegler found herself at the center of a controversy due to her comments about the original animated version of ‘Snow White’. Social media users criticized her for describing the 1937 film as dated and suggesting the prince was a stalker. Many traditional Disney fans felt her remarks were disrespectful to the legacy of the original movie and its themes. The backlash overshadowed much of the promotional cycle for her live-action adaptation.

Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres experienced a massive fall from grace after allegations of a toxic workplace culture on her daytime talk show surfaced. Twitter users began sharing stories about her alleged rude behavior which contradicted her kind public persona. The “be kind” motto she championed became a point of irony for critics who felt she did not practice what she preached. This sustained social media backlash eventually contributed to the end of her long-running show.

Gina Carano

Gina Carano was fired from ‘The Mandalorian’ after a series of controversial posts on social media regarding politics and history. Her comparisons of the current political climate to Nazi Germany sparked immediate outrage and calls for her removal. The hashtag #FireGinaCarano trended multiple times as users debated her statements and position in the ‘Star Wars’ universe. She subsequently shifted her career toward independent media outlets that aligned with her views.

Olivia Wilde

Olivia Wilde faced a tumultuous press tour for her film ‘Don’t Worry Darling’ that was dominated by online gossip. Social media users dissected every interaction between her and the cast while speculating about on-set feuds. The narrative shifted focus away from the movie and toward her relationship with Harry Styles and her split from Jason Sudeikis. Critics also scrutinized her claims regarding the departure of actor Shia LaBeouf from the project.

Gwyneth Paltrow

Gwyneth Paltrow frequently attracts criticism for her lifestyle brand Goop and the wellness advice she promotes. Social media users often label her products as pseudoscience and mock the high price points of her luxury items. Her comments during a ski collision trial also became viral fodder for TikTok and Twitter users who found her demeanor out of touch. Despite the mockery she maintains a loyal customer base that keeps her business profitable.

Gal Gadot

Gal Gadot faced widespread mockery for organizing a celebrity sing-along video of “Imagine” at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Viewers found the video tone-deaf and disconnected from the reality of people struggling with lockdowns and financial uncertainty. She also faces recurring backlash regarding her political statements concerning the conflict in the Middle East. These incidents frequently spark heated debates in her comment sections whenever she posts.

Anne Hathaway

Anne Hathaway experienced a phenomenon known as “Hathahate” following her Academy Award win for ‘Les Misérables’. Online critics found her acceptance speeches and public persona to be overly rehearsed and insincere. This period of intense dislike seemed to stem from her earnestness which some viewers interpreted as annoying theater kid energy. She has since spoken about how this online toxicity negatively affected her confidence and career opportunities for a time.

Jennifer Lawrence

Jennifer Lawrence went from being the internet’s favorite relatable celebrity to facing a period of overexposure and backlash. Critics began to view her clumsy moments and candid interviews as performative rather than genuine. Her comments about being the first female action hero were fact-checked and ridiculed by film historians and fans on Twitter. This shift in public sentiment led her to take a significant break from the spotlight to recalibrate her image.

Megan Fox

Megan Fox has faced various waves of backlash throughout her career regarding her comments on directors and her public relationships. Her intense public relationship with Machine Gun Kelly garnered both fascination and criticism for their eccentric behavior. Early in her career she was vilified for comparing director Michael Bay to Hitler which led to her dismissal from the ‘Transformers’ franchise. Recent years have seen a re-evaluation of her treatment but she remains a polarizing figure online.

Katherine Heigl

Katherine Heigl developed a reputation for being difficult after she publicly withdrew her name from Emmy consideration for ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. She also criticized the movie ‘Knocked Up’ which she starred in for being sexist and painting women in a poor light. Industry insiders and fans alike labeled her as ungrateful which severely impacted her film career for years. Social media discussions often revisit her comments and debate whether she was ahead of her time or simply unprofessional.

Lena Dunham

Lena Dunham frequently trends on social media for statements that many users find offensive or self-absorbed. Her show ‘Girls’ drew criticism for its lack of diversity and her subsequent apologies often fueled further backlash. She has faced ire for comments regarding reproductive rights and her interactions with other celebrities at public events. The cycle of controversy and apology has become a defining aspect of her public narrative.

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart faced immense hate during the height of the ‘Twilight’ franchise fever and her subsequent cheating scandal. Fans of the series attacked her personally for her affair with director Rupert Sanders while she was in a relationship with Robert Pattinson. Her acting style was also a frequent target of memes and mockery during the early 2010s. She has since rebuilt her reputation through critical darlings and independent cinema but the past backlash was severe.

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg regularly faces calls for suspension or firing due to her commentary on the talk show ‘The View’. Her suspension following comments about the Holocaust generated a massive response on Twitter with many demanding she educate herself. Social media users on both sides of the political spectrum often find fault with her hot takes on current events. The platform of live television leaves her vulnerable to immediate and harsh feedback from the digital audience.

Awkwafina

Awkwafina has faced accusations of cultural appropriation for her use of a “blaccent” in her earlier comedic work and music. Critics on social media argued that she built her fame on a caricature of Black culture before pivoting to more dramatic roles. Her statement addressing the controversy was met with mixed reactions and she subsequently took a break from Twitter. The discussion regarding her linguistic choices continues to surface whenever she takes on new projects.

Constance Wu

Constance Wu faced immediate backlash after tweeting her disappointment over the renewal of her show ‘Fresh Off the Boat’. Fans viewed her comments as ungrateful for the steady work and representation the sitcom provided. She later revealed the tweets were the result of frustration over missing a passion project and admitted the backlash led to a mental health crisis. The incident sparked a larger conversation about the pressure placed on actors of color to be perfect representatives.

Evangeline Lilly

Evangeline Lilly sparked outrage at the start of the pandemic for refusing to self-isolate and dismissing the severity of the virus. Her Instagram posts about dropping her kids off at gymnastics camp were seen as irresponsible and selfish by worried followers. She later apologized for her insensitivity but the comments lingered in the minds of many fans. The actress also faced criticism for attending protests against vaccine mandates which alienated a portion of her audience.

Letitia Wright

Letitia Wright faced a firestorm of criticism for sharing a video on Twitter that questioned the safety of COVID-19 vaccines. The video also contained transphobic comments which led to calls for her removal from the ‘Black Panther’ sequel. She denied holding anti-vax views but the controversy caused a significant PR headache for Marvel Studios. The actress deleted her social media accounts temporarily to escape the barrage of negative interactions.

Shailene Woodley

Shailene Woodley has drawn criticism for her alternative health views and her support of her former fiancé Aaron Rodgers during his vaccine controversy. Social media users often mock her suggestions regarding clay eating and sun exposure as dangerous pseudoscience. Her defense of Rodgers polarized fans who felt she was enabling misinformation. The public nature of their relationship and subsequent breakup kept her name in the headlines for contentious reasons.

Scarlett Johansson

Scarlett Johansson has faced multiple casting controversies including playing a Japanese character in ‘Ghost in the Shell’. She also faced backlash for accepting a role as a trans man in ‘Rub & Tug’ which she eventually exited after online outcry. Her comments defending her right to play any person or tree were viewed as dismissive of the struggle for representation. These incidents have made her a frequent topic of debate regarding casting ethics in Hollywood.

Halle Bailey

Halle Bailey was subjected to a racist harassment campaign after being cast as Ariel in the live-action ‘The Little Mermaid’. Social media users launched hashtags demanding a white actress for the role and flooded trailers with dislikes. The backlash highlighted the intense resistance some audiences have toward diverse casting in nostalgic properties. Despite the hate she received support from fans and critics who praised her vocal performance.

Millie Bobby Brown

Millie Bobby Brown has grown up under the microscope of social media where she faces criticism for appearing too mature for her age. Users often critique her fashion choices and friendships leading to accusations that she is trying to grow up too fast. She has also been the target of bizarre fake stories and memes that falsely attribute bigoted quotes to her. The actress has limited her social media presence to protect her mental health from the constant judgment.

Sydney Sweeney

Sydney Sweeney faced backlash after posting photos from her mother’s birthday party where guests wore “Blue Lives Matter” imagery. Social media users questioned her family’s political leanings and demanded statements regarding her own views. She responded by asking people to stop making assumptions which only fueled the debate further. The incident highlighted how quickly internet sleuths will analyze background details to form narratives about celebrities.

Dakota Johnson

Dakota Johnson faced a awkward viral moment during an interview with Ellen DeGeneres where she called out the host for not attending her birthday. While some celebrated her boldness others criticized her for participating in the nepotism baby discourse in a dismissive way. Her dry humor is sometimes interpreted as arrogance by detractors on social media. She tends to stay offline but her interviews frequently circulate as points of contention or celebration.

Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez faced significant negativity during the launch of her confusing multimedia project and tour in 2024. Social media users mocked the trailer for her film ‘This Is Me… Now’ as narcissistic and out of touch. Reports of poor ticket sales for her tour led to gloating online from critics who felt she was overexposed. The backlash seemed to stem from a general fatigue with her carefully curated public image.

Blake Lively

Blake Lively faced significant criticism during the press tour for ‘It Ends With Us’ due to her promotional approach. Social media users felt she prioritized promoting her hair care line over addressing the serious themes of domestic violence in the film. Old interviews resurfaced where she appeared dismissive toward journalists which fueled the negative sentiment. Many critics argued her tone remained too lighthearted for such heavy subject matter.

Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez has a complicated relationship with social media often announcing breaks only to return shortly after. She faces backlash for her comments on current events including the Israel-Palestine conflict which some fans deemed insufficient. Her online interactions involving Hailey Bieber sparked a massive fan war that dominated TikTok for weeks. Critics often accuse her of playing the victim while her defenders argue she is unfairly scrutinized.

Vanessa Hudgens

Vanessa Hudgens damaged her public image with an Instagram Live video at the start of the pandemic where she called deaths “inevitable.” The comments were viewed as heartless and privileged coming from a wealthy celebrity in a safe environment. She issued an apology stating her words were taken out of context but the video remains a stain on her reputation. Users frequently repost the clip whenever she trends to remind others of her stance.

Jamie Lee Curtis

Jamie Lee Curtis faced a wave of criticism after winning an Academy Award which some attributed to her legacy status in Hollywood. Her comments dismissing the “nepo baby” label as an attempt to diminish talent did not sit well with younger generations online. She also faced backlash for posting a photo of naked children to support Israel which she subsequently deleted. Her unfiltered social media presence often leads to polarizing reactions.

Drew Barrymore

Drew Barrymore came under fire for deciding to bring her talk show back during the WGA writers’ strike. Her decision was seen as crossing the picket line and betraying the unions that support the entertainment industry. The backlash was swift and severe leading to the National Book Awards rescinding her invitation to host. She eventually reversed her decision but the incident damaged her reputation as Hollywood’s sweetheart.

Mayim Bialik

Mayim Bialik has alienated various groups with her past comments on vaccines and parenting techniques. Her tenure as the host of ‘Jeopardy!’ was met with resistance from fans who preferred Ken Jennings and disliked her hosting style. She also faced criticism for an op-ed she wrote regarding Harvey Weinstein that critics felt engaged in victim-blaming. Her scientific background is often contrasted with her controversial personal views during online debates.

Stacey Dash

Stacey Dash transitioned from a beloved 90s actress to a controversial political commentator which alienated her original fanbase. Her conservative views and work for Fox News led to widespread mockery and dismissal on “Black Twitter.” She faced backlash for calling to end Black History Month and the BET Awards. The actress has since apologized for some of her more extreme political statements but her reputation remains divided.

Emma Watson

Emma Watson has faced accusations of performative activism regarding her feminist work and social media posts. She drew criticism for posting a black square with a white border during the Black Lives Matter movement which some felt prioritized aesthetics over the message. Critics have also questioned her silence on certain intersectional issues despite her role as a UN ambassador. Her carefully curated image sometimes invites skepticism from those seeking more radical advocacy.

Rebel Wilson

Rebel Wilson ignited a feud with Sacha Baron Cohen after accusing him of inappropriate behavior in her memoir. While many supported her some critics questioned the timing and details of her allegations as the book launch approached. She also faced backlash for claiming to be the first plus-sized girl to star in a romantic comedy which was factually incorrect. Social media users were quick to list other actresses who had achieved that milestone before her.

Melissa Barrera

Melissa Barrera was fired from the ‘Scream’ franchise after sharing posts in support of Palestine that the studio deemed antisemitic. The decision sparked a massive debate on social media regarding free speech and political censorship in Hollywood. Fans of the franchise rallied behind her and threatened to boycott the next installment. The incident highlighted the precarious position actors hold when expressing geopolitical views online.

Susan Sarandon

Susan Sarandon is a frequent target of backlash for her outspoken political views and third-party voting advocacy. Liberals often blame her for the 2016 election outcome while conservatives dislike her progressive activism. She was dropped by her talent agency after making controversial comments at a pro-Palestine rally. Her refusal to compromise her political beliefs keeps her in a constant state of friction with mainstream Hollywood and social media.

Tilda Swinton

Tilda Swinton faced “whitewashing” accusations for her role as the Ancient One in Marvel’s ‘Doctor Strange’. She attempted to diffuse the situation by emailing comedian Margaret Cho for insight which backfired when the exchange was made public. Cho described the interaction as making her feel like a “house Asian” which fueled further criticism of Swinton. The actress insisted her intentions were good but the incident displayed a lack of cultural awareness.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis faced unexpected backlash for her portrayal of Michelle Obama in the series ‘The First Lady’. Viewers mocked her facial expressions and the decision to constantly purse her lips which became a viral meme. Critics felt the performance bordered on caricature and was distracting from the narrative. Davis admitted the criticism was hurtful and defended her artistic choices as an attempt to capture the essence of the former First Lady.

Ana de Armas

Ana de Armas dealt with harsh criticism regarding her accent in the Marilyn Monroe biopic ‘Blonde’. Social media users argued that her Cuban accent was too prominent and broke the immersion of the character. The film itself was controversial for its depiction of Monroe which blew back onto de Armas for participating in the project. Despite an Academy Award nomination the online discourse around her performance remained mixed.

Florence Pugh

Florence Pugh faced criticism for the large age gap between her and former boyfriend Zach Braff. She frequently took to Instagram to defend her relationship and scold “bullies” for their intrusive comments. The actress also had to navigate the drama surrounding ‘Don’t Worry Darling’ where her lack of promotion was analyzed frame by frame. Her refusal to play the Hollywood PR game often makes her a subject of intense speculation.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson faced racist backlash when she was cast as Valkyrie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe a character originally depicted as white in comics. She also encountered criticism for comments she made regarding the male-dominated press line for ‘Men in Black: International’. Some interpreted her desire for diversity as an attack on her male co-stars. She remains a vocal advocate for inclusion despite the recurring negativity from certain fanbases.

Rosario Dawson

Rosario Dawson was sued by a former employee who accused the actress and her family of discrimination and transphobia. The lawsuit generated significant negative press and social media discussion regarding her character. Although the majority of the claims were eventually dropped the allegations lingered in online spaces. The incident complicated her standing with LGBTQ+ advocates who had previously celebrated her work.

Roseanne Barr

Roseanne Barr destroyed the reboot of her sitcom with a single racist tweet about former Obama advisor Valerie Jarrett. The backlash was instantaneous resulting in the cancellation of her show and her character being killed off. She continued to post controversial statements and conspiracy theories which kept the negative attention alive. Her career in mainstream television effectively ended due to her inability to adhere to social media conduct standards.

Lindsay Lohan

Lindsay Lohan has faced criticism for various bizarre behaviors livestreamed or posted to social media over the years. A viral video of her attempting to “rescue” children from a refugee family in Moscow was viewed as white saviorism gone wrong. She also baffled fans with her shifting accent which became known as “Lilohan” during interviews in Dubai. While she has made a comeback recently her digital footprint contains many chaotic moments that critics recall.

Amy Schumer

Amy Schumer is a lightning rod for social media criticism often facing accusations of stealing jokes from other comedians. Compilations comparing her stand-up sets to earlier jokes by other comics frequently circulate on YouTube and Twitter. She also faces backlash for her unfiltered posts regarding current events and her aggressive responses to detractors. Her brand of comedy and public persona consistently polarize audiences leading to high engagement but negative sentiment.

Tell us which actress you think was treated most unfairly by writing your opinion in the comments.