Kaley Cuoco recently joined other famous celebrities in denouncing ties to the feminist movement. There has been a major impact from the pop culture feminist movement in recent years and many big names like Beyonce, Emma Watson and Joseph Gordon Levitt have pronounced themselves as proud feminists.
People constantly shy away from the term and its harsh, misunderstood connotations but it should be understood that feminists are fighting for the equal rights of both genders, as opposed to what many believe is an anti-men movement. If a man wants to take some paternity leave when his first child is born, can he? Not only does feminism help women, it makes the world a fairer place for all.
Below you’ll find 6 celebs that said a big “NO” to the feminist label:
1. Katy Perry
Even though she has since changed her mind, at one of Billboard’s Women in Music Ceremonies in which she was being celebrated, Perry first said “I am not a feminist, but I do believe in the strength of women.” A little uneducated on the topic of course being that feminism does signify the strength and equality of women, but she has since declared herself a feminist–and I mean, come on, with empowering songs like “Roar,” “Part of Me,” and “Firework,” why wouldn’t she? Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga also denounced the term at one point but have come full circle since.
2. Shailene Woodley
The Fault in Our Stars actor was interviewed and questioned about whether she was a feminist and Woodley deflected the term. She said she does not support the idea of “women over men,” which is how she interprets the label. She believes in equality and balance, which is, in fact, what the movement is about. If such a balance did exist, there would have never been a need for it in the first place. And look, now we can vote Shailene!
3. Robert Downey, Jr.
Robert Downey, Jr. said at a Q&A that feminism was “make believe” when asked why Scarlett Johansson hasn’t had her own superhero movie, which she has now with Lucy. Easy for you to say, Iron Man. Maybe you should follow in John Legend‘s footsteps, Mr. Downey. Maybe he can teach a little bit about being a real life superhero. Co-star Gwyneth Paltrow also has no interest in the title. She finds herself having to choose between being a “feminist” in her career, like being independent, successful and progressive, or taking on the roles of wife and mother. OR she could be BOTH like so many other women in the industry. Oh hey look, your BFF Beyonce!
4. Kayle Cuoco
Not only has Cuoco been playing the sadly typical “dumb blonde” in the hit TV show Big Bang Theory for many seasons, but she recently told Redbook magazine that she is no feminist, stating, “I was never that feminist girl demanding equality, but maybe that’s because I’ve never really faced inequality.” Not everyone has that privilege but for the rest of humanity, injustices are a pretty common thing. She also said, “I cook for (husband) Ryan five nights a week. It makes me feel like a housewife; I love that.” The funny thing about feminism is that just because you identify as such, doesn’t mean you have to hate doing housework. You can actually do whatever you please, without judgement. Now, isn’t that nice?
5. Kelly Clarkson
Our dear American Idol has distanced herself entirely from the term, even after her many scream-at-the-top-of-your-lungs female anthems, like the um “Miss Independent.” When asked if she was a feminist she said, “No, I wouldn’t say feminist — that’s too strong. I think when people hear feminist, it’s like, ‘Get out of my way, I don’t need anyone.’ I love that I’m being taken care of and I have a man that’s a leader. I’m not a feminist in that sense.” Disappointing.
6. Sarah Jessica Parker
The beloved actor who plays Carrie Bradshaw in one this generation’s most liberating shows for women, Sex and the City, has said she isn’t a feminist but a humanist. In my eyes, you can’t be a humanist without wanting equal rights for women and ALL people. Right? Samantha Jones and Miranda Hobbes would be disappointed.