America Ferrera responds to Barbie criticism over powerful monologue
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
Barbie star America Ferrera has responded to criticism over her character's powerful monologue.
The actress was featured in one of the film's most talked about scenes, in which her character Gloria passionately highlights the double standards women face.
Since Barbie's release in July 2023, Gloria's speech has garnered a lot of media attention. Fans have largely praised director Greta Gerwig for including the rousing monologue, while others have criticised it for oversimplifying feminism.
Related: Barbie dominates at the Digital Spy Reader Awards 2023
Speaking to The New York Times, Ferrera has since dismissed these claims. "We can know things and still need to hear them out loud. It can still be a cathartic," she said.
"There are a lot of people who need Feminism 101, whole generations of girls who are just coming up now and who don't have words for the culture that they're being raised in.
"Also, boys and men who may have never spent any time thinking about feminist theory. If you are well-versed in feminism, then it might seem like an oversimplification, but there are entire countries that banned this film for a reason."
The Ugly Betty star continued: "To say that something is maybe foundational, or, in some people's view, basic feminism isn't needed is an oversimplification. Assuming that everybody is on the same level of knowing and understanding the experience of womanhood is an oversimplification."
Related: Barbie's Ryan Gosling releases Christmas version of 'I'm Just Ken'
Ferrera recently reunited with her Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants co-stars Blake Lively, Amber Tamblyn and Alexis Bledel during a special Barbie Q&A.
Posting a carousel of photos of the fan-favourite "sisters" on Instagram, Lively penned a loving tribute to her friend, calling her "the heart and soul" of Barbie.
"That speech [Ferrera] gives as Gloria felt as close to real as anything I've ever seen on screen. Because that's who she is. She's that spectacular, passionate, inspiring and full of heart in her own life," she wrote.
"I can't wait to watch her sweep awards up across her living room floor. No-one deserves it more... for a lifetime of brilliant work."
Barbie is available to buy or rent in the UK from Prime Video, iTunes, Microsoft Store and more, as well as being available to watch on Max in the US.
You Might Also Like
