'Disappointingly low T from Ken': Matt, Ginger Gaetz 'Barbie' film comments spark blowback

Matt Gaetz and his wife, Ginger, have received social media blowback from conservatives and progressives alike after the duo posted photos of themselves clad in pink at the premiere of the new Barbie film along with some controversial statements.

“Thinking about watching the Barbie movie? I’d recommend sticking to getting outfit inspiration and skipping the theater,” Ginger tweeted before listing her thoughts on the movie.

“The Barbie I grew up with was a representation of limitless possibilities, embracing diverse careers and feminine empowerment. The 2023 Barbie movie, unfortunately, neglects to address any notion of faith or family, and tries to normalize the idea that men and women can't collaborate positively (yuck).”

Ginger then went on to list a series of pros and cons about the movie. The pros involved Margot Robbie’s performance, “stunning” costume design and the film’s soundtrack.

Her list of cons included the “unfortunate portrayal of big dreams causing anxiety instead of inspiration,” “disappointingly low [testosterone] from Ken” and “unfair treatment of pregnant Barbie Midge.”

She said that she wanted to enjoy the movie but ended up feeling let down. Ginger added that Ken had “major beta” energy in the movie, in a response to one commenter who said the movie’s biggest pro was Ryan Gosling, who portrayed Ken in the movie.

Matt and Ginger were criticized on Twitter by conservatives for supporting the movie, which has received calls for boycotts due to its “woke messaging” and claims that it features Chinese “propaganda.”

'Barbie' review: Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling dazzle in hilariously heady toy story

Ted Cruz criticized the movie saying it promoted Chinese “propaganda” because of a scene showing a map of Asia that some claim shows the nine-dash line in the South China Sea, which is a hotly contested body of water contested by China and many of its neighbors.

Vietnam banned the movie from showing in the country due to the scene.

Warner Bros., who distributes the film, issued a statement in response to the controversy saying “The map in Barbie Land is a whimsical, child-like crayon drawing. The doodles depict Barbie's make-believe journey from Barbie Land to the real world. It was not intended to make any type of statement.”

Other conservatives have pushed for boycotting the movie because Doctor Barbie is played by transgender actor Hari Nef.

“Glad to see @mattgaetz enjoying the Barbie premiere,” tweeted conservative influencer Mindy Lafevers. “The movie where ‘Doctor Barbie’ is played by a Trans actor. Wonder why we can’t win culture wars? Republicans love being included with the rich and famous too much.”

Matt responded to the tweet saying “If you let the trans stop you from seeing Margo Robbie……the terrorists win..…”

The Barbie film premiered at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on July 9, 2023, and will be released theatrically in the U.S. on Friday.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Matt, Ginger Gaetz 'Barbie' comments incite social media blowback