Image Image Image Image Image Image Image Image Image Image

Feminspire | May 19, 2013

Select a Page:
Select a Page:
Scroll to top

Top

EditorialFeaturedThe Media
529 Comments

In Defense Of Kristen Stewart

In Defense Of Kristen Stewart

Having been caught cheating on long-term boyfriend and “Twilight” co-star Robert Pattinson with “Snow White and the Huntsman” director Rupert Sanders, Kristen Stewart has become the victim of harsh backlash from the media and public. Media coverage has painted Stewart as an unabashed home wrecker. Robert Pattinson is being seen as crushed and humiliated by Stewart’s confession. “Twilight” fans mourn the possibility of the couple never reconciling the matter, while others are thinking “What the heck?” and trying to shed some attention on Sander’s wife and two children, who are also victims in the case.

There have been numerous reports of how Stewart may be dropped from any future “Snow White” movies (even though there have been no reports of Sanders being considered cut), how she had to cancel her MTV Video Music Awards appearance, the awkwardness that may ensue at the premiere of the final “Twilight” movie, and how her career is possibly over. Other female celebrities such as Jennifer Lawrence have been pinned against her, with the media circulating false quotes from Lawrence explaining how she is approached by directors but always refuses their advances. Stewart herself is described as “scared to face public,” “desperately seeking forgiveness,” and is being told that she is “ruining Robert Pattinson’s life.”

Kristen Stewart has explained that she felt “overpowered” by Sanders, especially because he was in a position of power over her, not only as director, but because he is 19 years older. Sanders took advantage of her youth and his authority, something that, unfortunately, happens all the time among young women and male entertainment leaders in Hollywood. She may not have made the right decision, but she certainly doesn’t deserve this scrutiny.

Actress Jodie Foster, who costarred with Stewart in the 2002 thriller “Panic Room,” has come to her aid, reassuring the young star that “This too shall pass.” And pass it should. Why has there been such a severe reaction among the public and the media over something that male celebrities have done and gotten away with time and time again? It’s truly disheartening that Stewart is being denounced as a “slut,” “whore,” and a “home wrecker.” She is being painted as a modern day Hester Prynne, her adultery slapped across her chest as a badge of shame, despite the fact that she is not the married, more experienced adult party in this situation.

One reason that Stewart is likely receiving more of a blow to her career and reputation is because she is more notable than Sanders, but I am tired of men getting away with cheating, violence, and lewd conduct and still managing to be adored by millions (Chris Brown, anyone?). Kristen is losing the fan base she established with her role in the “Twilight” franchise, and it’s not fair. This woman’s personal life should not determine her career, especially because she is still very young and has a lot of mistakes and successes to make before she truly finds her place in the world of acting. Slut-shaming her is completely unnecessary and counter-productive to the pursuit of equality for women. Calling Kristen Stewart a slut doesn’t make you a better person, nor does it help the issue of how it is so easy for society to label women as “sluts” and “whores.” We are perpetuating this backward way of thinking by taking out anger a celebrity who, guess what, is a real person just like you and me.

There are many notable women who have admitted to cheating in the past, such as Whoopi Goldberg, Meg Ryan, Madonna, Elizabeth Taylor, Tori Spelling, Jennifer Lopez, Julia Roberts, Jennifer Garner, LeAnn Rimes, Anne Heche, and Gabrielle Union. They owned up to their mistakes and endured their own bout of negativity from the public, some more than others. These women are admired for their achievements, not their past, and I hope it will be the same for Kristen. She is a woman with actual feelings and emotions, not just some “slut” who viciously broke Robert Pattinson’s heart.

Kristen Stewart, this is not the end. You are not a shameful human being, nor should you be treated as such. You are in the company of many talented women who have made the same mistake and have been able to overcome it to have strong and successful careers. This too shall pass.

What are your thoughts on the way Kristen Stewart is being portrayed in the media? Share with us in the comments below.

Written by Leah Moreno

Opinions stated in our editorials do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Feminspire and its staff as a whole, but instead reflect the opinions of the writer.

Related Posts

Political Attack Ads Create A More Hostile US Government... September 5, 2012 | Alisse Desrosiers

Presidential Debate

Black Actor Woes: The Good, The Bad And ‘The Help’... August 22, 2012 | Christen N. Cromwell

thehelpgrocery

Love Feminspire? Let us make your inbox more exciting!

Follow Feminspire!