Top 10 Times Celebs Shot Down Stupid Questions
#10: Jerry Seinfeld
“Seinfeld” was one of the most successful sitcoms of the ‘90s. So when the show announced it was ending after nine seasons, the news made numerous headlines. One person who seemingly missed this announcement was Larry King, leading to one of his most infamous interviews ever. A somewhat irritated Seinfeld made it abundantly clear that the idea of his sitcom getting canceled was laughable. He pressed on making jabs at CNN and King as well as boasting about the show and his own success. We’re pretty sure this was mostly good-natured ribbing, but King seemingly got under the comedian’s skin, and he wasn’t too happy. We’re just surprised he didn’t end with.
#9: Taylor Swift
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Swift and her hit “Shake It Off” were nominated for several 2015 Grammys. But this ET reporter seemed more interested in Taylor’s outfit and legs before the ceremony. She also implies that a Grammy isn’t the only way Taylor will score that evening— and boy, if looks could kill! Still, Taylor swiftly shuts her down. Unfortunately, this isn’t the only time the singer batted off sexist questions. In 2019, a journalist for “Deutsche Presse-Agentur” asked about her current relationship and its future after turning 30. Taylor reportedly responded, “I really do not think men are asked that question when they turn 30. So I’m not going to answer that question now.” You tell ’em, TSwift!
#8: Brie Larson
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In 2023, Brie Larson served as a juror for the Cannes Film Festival. During a press conference, Larson was asked if she planned to watch the festival’s opening movie, “Jeanne du Barry,” which controversially stars Johnny Depp. The actress was initially confused about why she was being asked this question and asked the reporter to elaborate. She’s visibly uncomfortable and clearly wants to end this exchange quickly. Yet, she remains very polite, hearing the reporter out before gently but quickly concluding the matter. The reporter tried to toss her the bait, and she went and tossed it straight back. She handled it marvelously!
#7: Matt Damon
This actor has a lot of respect for teachers. After all, his mom was one. So, if you come for the profession, he’s going to come for you, and he won’t hold back. When one reporter suggested that teachers, like actors, need to work hard if they want job security, Damon was having none of it. He replies with a long rant defending teachers and their willingness to do their jobs with minimum compensation. The cameraman then decides to chime in with a statistic he seemingly pulled out of thin air. Damon wastes no time throwing this so-called fact back in his face. Damon: One, Camera Man: Zero.
#6: Cara Delevingne
With each ill-thought-out question, this interview felt like watching a car crash in slow motion. The interviewers are rather condescending, while Delevingne’s wry sense of humor seems to go straight over their heads. She handles their awkward questions gracefully and lightheartedly, even though it’s quite clear that she’d rather be anywhere else. Also, you’re never going to win someone over by telling them they seem tired and irritable. Still, Delevingne keeps her cool and tries to keep things as cheery as possible. However, once the hosts suggest she needs a nap or a Red Bull, it’s glaringly obvious to everyone that this interview is so over.
#5: Anne Hathaway
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Traditionally female comic book characters don’t always get the most practical outfits. So, there’s always a level of curiosity over how that will translate into live action. But Anne Hathaway really wasn’t feline-ing the incessant interest into how she got into shape to play Catwoman in “The Dark Knight Rises.” One reporter outright asked her how much weight she’d lost to fit into her costume. Meanwhile, “Extra’s” Jerry Penacoli persistently questioned her fitness regime, prompting her to fire back [1]. Also, in 2012, disgraced morning television host Matt Lauer essentially blamed Hathaway for a wardrobe malfunction incident. She expertly shut him down and elegantly circled back to her movie like a pro.
#4: Scarlett Johansson
Like Hathaway’s Catwoman, ScarJo faced an unprecedented amount of interest in her Black Widow costume. Or, more accurately, what was underneath it. We didn’t hear anyone ask her “Avengers” co-stars about their undergarments yet, and she even told this reporter from “Extratv” that he was the fifth person to ask her that question. It’s quite baffling that she has to call out just how inappropriate, invasive, and sexist his inquiry is. But, she leaves the interviewer a stuttering mess and doesn’t let him get away with this total lack of respect or professionalism. Like her character, ScarJo proved she’s a badass, and not to be messed with.
#3: Jonah Hill
It’s no secret that Jonah Hill prefers to keep his weight loss journey private. And that’s totally within his right. If anything, it’s questions like these that prove why it’s generally not okay to comment on someone’s physique. While discussing his animated series, “Allen Gregory,” at the Georgia Institute of Technology, someone insensitively asked him whether he’s still thought of as [“the fat guy.”] Worse still, the question is cruelly met with some laughter from others in the room. Hill’s face speaks volumes, almost as if he can’t quite believe the reporter’s audacity. However, he handles the situation ever so smoothly, asking if there are any smarter questions before turning away.
#2: Mila Kunis
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During a press conference in Moscow for their movie “Friends with Benefits,” Kunis delivered an epic smackdown to a reporter who questioned why Justin Timberlake was doing movies. Speaking in her native tongue, the actress quickly fired back at the reporter, much to the room’s approval. She wasted no time in calling out the stupidity of the question and jumping to her co-star’s defense. Arguably the best part is when she points out that, like the journalist, Timberlake is only doing his job. Kunis clearly picked up the subtext behind these questions and wasn’t here for it at all. Everyone needs a friend like Mila Kunis in their corner. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Joaquin Phoenix The “Joker” Actor Does Not Want to Hear the Same Questions Parroted at Him Jane Fonda This Icon Reroutes This Invasive & Inappropriate Interview Amy Schumer Schumer Isn’t Here for Rude Questions & This Reporter Is No Match for Her Quick Wit Gordon Ramsay Ramsay’s Comeback Was as Well Done as the Steak the Reporter Complained About Keira Knightley The Actress Gives a Swift 101 in Equality
#1: Rihanna
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RiRi really wants everyone to stop talking about her love life. She’s an artist and an entrepreneur, so you’d imagine there are far more interesting questions to ask her than what she’s looking for in a man. But if you dare bring it up, prepare to be taken down, like this ITN reporter. During a press conference for the movie “Battleship,” she brought up the romance rumors between Rihanna and her co-star Ashton Kutcher. Before that, she’d been piling on compliments about the star’s career, so the question seemingly came out of left field. Rihanna is clearly unimpressed and lets everyone know. Her response is nothing short of classy.
