Criticising the appearance of celebrities on the red carpet is, sadly, a tale as old as time. A few weeks back, Kelly Osbourne was torn apart for her looks at The BRITs, while The Oscars saw comments flood in about Gwyneth Paltrow's naked dress and whether she was "too old" for such an outfit.
The post-Oscars vitriol was also aimed at Bryana Holly, the 32-year-old wife of Superman actor Nicholas Hoult. Mother-of-two Bryana attended the Vanity Fair Oscars party with Nick, wearing a plunging black lace dress, with detractors quick to criticise the dress for being too small and too revealing.
© AFP via Getty ImagesSeeing the criticism understandably upset Bryana, who took to social media to denounce the hurtful comments, resharing photos from the night, captioned: "I am seeing the comments around my chest and not that anyone is owed an explanation, but this is the product of a breastfeeding mother who hasn't fed her babies in hours. If you know, then you know."
Bryana and Nicholas are parents to two children, Joaquin, eight, and a second child, three, born in late 2022. Her statement caused a slew of people to wonder whether the couple had secretly welcomed a third child following her breastfeeding comments – but we're more concerned with the fact that if a woman who used to work as a Playboy model is being criticised for her looks, what hope is there for the rest of us?
© InstagramImpossible beauty standards
Bryana is a straight-sized, white, blonde woman – fitting the beauty ideal down to a tee. And yet, she is still torn apart for her appearance.
Seeing a woman whose whole career is centred around her looks – and thus, is believed to be among the most beautiful women in the world - face vile criticism can leave the rest of us feeling downhearted, feeling we'll never be "good enough" to meet beauty standards.
© InstagramBryana's decision to hit back works in part to assuage the negativity. While she did feel the need to explain her appearance, the fact that she (rightfully) didn't apologise is crucial, as positive psychology coach Elle Mace explains, it's helpful for those of us who consume celebrity culture to see stars talk openly about how their bodies are perceived and talked about.
"When public figures openly discuss their body image, especially the struggles and weight gain, it can break societal norms and reduce the stigma surrounding body issues," she says.
"This transparency often encourages others to embrace their own bodies, fostering a more positive and inclusive attitude towards diverse body types and that it’s not better to be one size or another, everyone is different and that is what we need to focus on and celebrate."
With her unapologetic retort to trolls, Bryana (despite having a genetically gifted body most mortals can only dream of), makes herself more relatable – and a strong role model for other women.
"Public figures are naturally role models, especially for the younger audience," says Elle. "Younger people are often seeking approval and attention, therefore following and admiring a celebrity or influencer makes them feel safe and that if they accept and love their bodies, then it’s ok for me to as well."
Bryana's changing body
Bryana's comments show she is at peace with the changes she's seen in her body as a result of breastfeeding, and this is a crucial lesson in self-acceptance, says Elle.
© Instagram"Accepting the natural changes that come with aging involves embracing a broader definition of beauty and focusing on the value of experiences, wisdom, and personal growth," says Elle.
"Cultivating self-compassion and gratitude for what your body has allowed you to do can help shift the focus away from past appearances to present well-being."
It's no easy thing to see your body changing, no matter the reason, notes psychologist Jade Thomas, who shares her advice for being more Bryana and accepting where you are now.
"A helpful technique is to change how you are viewing your body, rather than being critical of your physical appearance, try reframing your thoughts and thinking about what your body does for you, how does your body function on a day-to-day basis to allow you to do things? What are you grateful for when it comes to your body? And how can you take care of your body in the best way possible?"
