Charlize Theron has caused quite a stir with her recent comments and the internet has reacted in a strong way.
As we previously reported, Theron compared the constant media attention that she receives to being “raped.”
While the internet is up in arms over her remark, it is important to note that Theron was the spokesperson for a “Real Men Don’t Rape” campaign, raising awareness for the high amounts of rape in South Africa. (Check out her commercial below.)
There have been a few overdramatic statements about fame in the news recently. Gwyneth Paltrow compared negative online comments to war. Jennifer Lawrence caused a stir after she was overheard comparing her excitement for Alfonso Cuarón to a ”rape scream” at a Cannes party.
Since Theron’s statement, she has been trending online and her interview has gone viral. After going viral, people took to Twitter to discuss the subject. Some were offended while others stood up for her. There were many different tweets about not only Theron but about famous people complaining and the overuse of the word rape in the first place.
After the backlash for those actresses and others, the internet has made it very clear that these celebrities can’t abuse language and use overdramatic comparisons. Note to Theron: the only thing that is “like rape,” is rape.
Here are the top 10 twitter reactions to Theron’s rape comment.
[new page=Severity of crime tweet]
10. Dilutes severity of crime
The National Sexual Violence Resource Center tweeted in disagreement with her statements, including a link to a news story.
Advocates: Charlize Theron's #rape comment "dilutes" severity of crime (via @CBSNews @crimesider @48Hours) http://t.co/Rk7BBozFUj
— NSVRC (@NSVRC) May 30, 2014
[new page=Paparazzi is not rape tweet]
9. Think before you speak
@LEILAGRACEORG is the twitter account for the Leila Grace Foundation. It provides online sexual assault awareness and prevention education to college students.
Paparazzi and rape are two different things Charlize Theron! Think before you speak when using the word rape!... http://t.co/MYP5Ynkhnp
— Leila Grace (@LEILAGRACEORG) May 31, 2014
[new page=Selfish tweet]
8. Unreal
Charlize Theron needs a some sense knocked into her. Comparing paparazzi invading her privacy to rape?! My god the selfishness is unreal. >
— Helena Carry (@HelenaCarry) May 30, 2014
[new page=#Facepalm tweet]
7. Face palm
Movie actor, star, multi million dollar celebrity says that enduring paparazzi is like rape. #facepalm.
— Little Red Boat (@edscle) May 30, 2014
[new page=Team Theron tweet]
6. The defense
Even if "rape," per its own definition, didn't mean "to violate," Charlize Theron was clearly using symbolism, not being literal. #calmdown
— Lucas Witherspoon (@LucasLascivious) May 30, 2014
[new page=Morons win tweet]
5. Morons
Charlize Theron compares press intrusions to rape; Gwyneth Paltrow compares them to war. I compare the two of them to morons. (Morons win.)
— Allison Winn Scotch (@aswinn) May 30, 2014
[new page=Damaged tweet]
4. Feminism tweet
The media might be intrusive for Theron, and rape is intrusive. But there's a lot more damage than just some paparazzi photo publications
— Digital Feminisms (@DigitalFeminism) May 30, 2014
[new page=Tough life tweet]
3. Life as a superstar
First internet trolls are the same as war, and now paparazzi is the same as rape. It's a tough, tough life being famous
— Jenna Scates (@jenna_scates) May 30, 2014
[new page=Stop saying it tweet]
2. Ignorant
Celebs stop saying dealing with the paparazzi is like being rape. It's ignorant to say and disrespectful to actual rape victims.
— shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) May 30, 2014
[new page=Don’t use it tweet]
1. General Rule
Can we agree that NO ONE uses word "rape" for anything other than an act of sexual assault? Tired of hearing it used for other irritations.
— sarahdessen (@sarahdessen) May 30, 2014