On Tuesday, actress and feminist activist Ashley Judd made an appearance in a campaign ad for Democratic presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren.
Apparently due to medical issues, Judd’s face was noticeably puffy. The actress’ name trended online as mean comments poured in over her appearance.
“My friend [Ashely Judd] made a few calls to people who chipped in a few dollars to our campaign. I’m proud that our campaign is grassroots—built by people, not Super PACs or billionaires,” Warren boasted, captioning a video of Judd making said calls. “Chip in $3 tonight, and Ashley could call you to say thanks!”
My friend @AshleyJudd made a few calls to people who chipped in a few dollars to our campaign. I’m proud that our campaign is grassroots—built by people, not Super PACs or billionaires.
Chip in $3 tonight, and Ashley could call you to say thanks! https://t.co/qOzNnVvmg4 pic.twitter.com/2SJOEAGKCp
— Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) February 11, 2020
Reacting to the comments, Judd posted a lengthy Facebook post on Thursday, blasting “misogynistic savages of both sexes” for making fun of her and explaining her medical complications, which are apparently alleviated by frequent botox injections.
Judd said she learned about the Twitter controversy over her face “from caring friends.”
“The misogynistic savages of both sexes have come out, as have plenty of folks who empathize and see it for what it is (woman bashing),” she wrote. “I find it a gendered way to distract from my political speech: the hate happened in response to a video in support of the Presidential candidate of my choice.”
Judd said she’s suffered from migraines for over a year.
“Have I had botox? It is a standard treatment for the ailment that I experience,” the feminist said. “My union insurance pays for thirty-one injections every twelve weeks. (Some friends suggested that I not post this medical fact, because it can be excerpted and used against me, but I think it’s honest and real and is a public health message. Shame on anyone who distorts my words.)”
The actress also explained that she’s been unable to workout due to the migraines, which has contributed to “some un-fun weight gain.”
“What I know is that misogynists on Twitter have been slaughtering me compared to my pre-weight gain idealized self,” she continued. “My conventionally thin, athletic, ‘pretty’ AcroYoga body, and more slender face, is merely the flip side of the same patriarchal coin.”
“Those of you who are talking about my female appearance, making assessments about my worth and desirability are basing your opinions on wholly gendered norms,” complained Judd. “The good news for my empowered self is I don’t take compliments any more seriously than I do slurs.”
The feminist noted that “as a cis white woman,” the “hate” she’s receiving “is pretty generic compared to women of color, to my friends in the LGBTQIA+ communities, and those of diverse lived experiences.”
“[W]hen women speak up, we still get beaten up,” Judd contended. “Speak up anyway. The slings and arrows will come, but your voice and the body from which it comes is beautiful, courageous, powerful, and necessary.”
“Conversations about our female bodies will continue to roar — both about us and outside of us. What I know for sure is that my peace is on the inside, in spite of the patriarchy and all who participate in it, male and female,” the actress closed the post.
“And to those for whom this is obvious and redundant, thank you. I feel you.”
Posted by Ashley Judd on Thursday, February 13, 2020