From Margot Robbie to Lily Collins: Why are women constantly judged for their choices?

In an era where women's autonomy and choices should be celebrated, many high-profile women, including actresses like Margot Robbie and Lily Collins, continue to face backlash and judgment for personal decisions, shedding light on the persistent scrutiny that women in the public eye endure. Whether it’s pregnancy choices or surrogacy, women are constantly placed under a microscope, with their every decision often being dissected and criticised by society.

Margot Robbie, beloved and highly successful actress, is often lauded as one of Hollywood's most attractive and talented women. However, despite her continued success and adoration from peers and fans, her pregnancy sparked unwanted comments and criticisms, particularly from male voices. Pregnant women are traditionally vulnerable to unsolicited opinions, and Robbie’s public appearance with a baby bump during her pregnancy, whether at film premieres or on vacation, was met with the usual pressures faced by women in the public eye.

However, the criticism Robbie faced wasn’t limited to her pregnancy announcement or the fact she was about to become a mother. Instead, it was about how she looked while pregnant. When Robbie gained weight due to her pregnancy, some people went so far as to accuse her of ‘letting herself go.’ This level of scrutiny on a woman’s body during one of the most personal times in her life sheds light on how damaging the policing of women’s appearances can be. For many women in the spotlight, this form of body shaming remains a frustrating, all-too-common experience.

Lily Collins and surrogacy

Lily Collins, star of Emily in Paris, recently announced the birth of her first child with her husband, Charlie McDowell. While the birth of a child is generally seen as an exciting and life-affirming event, Collins and McDowell faced intense criticism after they revealed they had used a surrogate. Although surrogacy has been a well-established practice for decades, and many other celebrities have shared their own journeys through it, the decision sparked vitriol and harsh comments on social media.

Critics jumped to conclusions, accusing Collins of being ‘vain’ or of avoiding the potential weight gain associated with pregnancy to maintain her Hollywood career. The irony in these accusations is that, just like with Robbie's pregnancy, the decision was deeply personal and none of the public's business. The fact that a woman would face such invasive commentary over a deeply personal choice highlights the lack of understanding and respect for women’s bodies and their ability to make autonomous decisions.

Why do we judge women so harshly?

The real issue isn’t about whether Robbie or Collins made the “right” choice, but the ongoing and relentless policing of women’s bodies and decisions. Whether it’s pregnancy, surrogacy, or any other aspect of their personal lives, women continue to face judgment from society. This problem is not unique to Robbie or Collins; women in all walks of life – both famous and not – are subjected to this critical lens. The overarching theme is the need for women to constantly justify their choices, no matter how personal or private they may be.

In both cases, these women chose paths that best suited their lives, yet they were met with harsh criticism. When will society stop scrutinising and judging women for simply living their lives? What would happen if we allowed women the space to make decisions free from the constant barrage of opinions and unsolicited judgment?

Ultimately, it is imperative that society allows women the freedom to make choices without fear of judgment. Whether deciding to have children, use a surrogate, or manage their health and appearance, the decision should lie with the woman and no one else.