Top 10 Celebs Who Shut Down Sexist Interview Questions
Anne Hathaway, Tom Hardy, Keira Knightley, Lauren Conrad, Emma Stone, Scarlett Johansson, Rowan Blanchard, Ariana Grande, Serena Williams, Rihanna and Jennifer Lawrence have been asked some pretty sexist questions before but they were quick to shut it down!
#10: Serena Williams
She has the most number of singles, doubles and mixed doubles Grand Slam titles among active players COMBINED and she has been ranked World No. 1 eight times between 2002 and 2017. So it’s no exaggeration to call Serena Williams skilful, talented and graceful when she’s on the court. But as the only tennis player – male or female - to win 2 of 4 Grand Slams 7 times each as well as the only one – male or female – to earn 10 Grand Slam Singles in 2 different decades, it’s also clearly no exaggeration to call her one of the greatest athletes of all time, period. So when a reporter asked her what it’s like to be “one of the greatest female athletes of all time,” she quickly and admirably told the journalist what’s what.
#9: Tom Hardy
Top 20 Celebs Who Shut Down Sexist Interview Questions
When details about the “Mad Max” reboot first came to light, a lot of conversation stemmed from the seemingly female centric take on a formally ultra-macho franchise. This, naturally, generated a backlash online from people wanting to boycott the film because of its alleged feminist undertones. During a press conference in Cannes that focused on “Fury Road”, the film’s male lead, Tom Hardy, was asked how he felt about all the women in the movie. His response was simple, but incredibly effective.
#8: Keira Knightley
After being honored with a Hollywood Film Award for her portrayal of Joan Clarke in 2014’s “The Imitation Game”, Keira Knightley was answering the perfunctory backstage questions. One reporter asked a question that has been posed to successful women for decades: how she manages to balance her career and her personal life, a question rarely, if ever asked of male actors or politicians. Knightley was not going to let it slide though, and followed up with a question of her own.
#7: Emma Stone
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While the mid 2010s is seeing “Teen Vogue” shifting towards more cutting-edge political coverage, back in 2012 they hadn’t exactly hit their stride in terms of their progressive slant. After starring together in “The Amazing Spider-Man”, Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield were interviewed for the magazine. Emma was asked about her hair color at one point, and in response began to question why she frequently experienced these sort of superficial questions. When Andrew interjected, she said, “You get asked interesting, poignant questions because you are a boy,” and shut the whole thing down.
#6: Lauren Conrad
Lauren Conrad managed to turn a string of reality TV shows into a full-fledged career as a lifestyle guru. She has designed her own fashion line and published a series of novels, and is known for being an ultimate girl boss. That’s why her response to a question posed on a radio show was so delightfully perfect. A listener asked what her favorite position was and after a moment of contemplation answered, “CEO”. It even took the radio hosts a minute to catch on to what she had just said.
#5: Scarlett Johansson
ScarJo is no stranger to sexist interview questions, and they came in on a seemingly constant basis while she did press for her role in the “Avengers” movies. For instance, there was this press conference in which Robert Downey Jr. was asked about character development and Johansson was asked about her fitness regime. Instead of responding, she questioned why her co-stars got the interesting questions while she was only asked about her figure. Similarly, she seems to be asked quite often about the undergarments she wears under her Black Widow costume. Does the Hulk have ripped up CGI tighty-whities under his ripped up CGI pants? We may never know.
#4: Rowan Blanchard
The “Girl Meets World” star had the perfect response when a red carpet reporter once asked her if she had any dieting tips for other teenage girls. Blanchard, who was only 13 at the time, told Elle that she questioned whether they’d ever ask about dieting tips for teenage boys. She went on to assert that she does not diet and that if she has one food related tip for fans it’s that, 'if you don't order fries, you'll probably be mad.' Poignant, and true.
#3: Anne Hathaway
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After having a much reported upon wardrobe malfunction at the premiere of her 2012 film, “Les Misérables”, Anne Hathaway sat down with the Today Show’s Matt Lauer. He jumped right into things by asking her what was the “lesson learned”. Rather than allowing herself to be blamed, she turned his question around and put the blame squarely on the photographer and the population who’ll pay for such an image. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the only time Hathaway was faced with sexist questions. While doing press for “The Dark Knight Rises”, Anne Hathaway was asked about her “Feline Fitness Routine”. After trying to deflect the line of questioning away from her Catwoman costume and her body, she finally had enough of his persistence and she turned the question right back on him.
#2: Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande Impressions VS the Actual Person
The “Side to Side” singer was not going to take any gendered questions when she was participating in a radio interview in the mid 2010s. The hosts of the show - who all happened to be male - asked her if she had to give up one thing - her cell phone or her makeup - which it would be. She responded right away by letting them know she thought the question was a sexist one. As the interview went on however, they continued to put an emphasis on things that “girls do” and she eventually had to lay down the law for them.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
Taylor Swift
Calls Out Claim That Songs Are About Exes as “Very Sexist” on 'Jules, Merrick and Sophie' Radio Show
Rihanna
Tells Reporter That She’s “Not Looking for a Man” at Rogue Man Fragrance Reveal
Jennifer Lawrence
Responds to Question About What Pieces She’s Wearing with “This Is the Top, and This Is the Bottom” at the 2013 Oscars
#1: Helen Mirren
Today, feminism is no longer a dirty word and many stars proudly claim it. In 1975 however, speaking up about issues of sexism was much more difficult - and not always as well received. Helen Mirren appeared on Michael Parkinson's iconic chat show early in her career and found herself cornered into an uncomfortable conversation. Parkinson seemed to focus on her body rather than her abilities as an actress, and while the clip is uncomfortable to watch, seeing Mirren own him is totally worth it.
