Florence Pugh, the Hollywood sensation known for her role in “Oppenheimer,” has addressed the body-shaming backlash she faced last year for wearing a sheer dress that left her nipples visible, emphasizing that it’s the freedom she exudes that unsettles some people.
In a recent interview with Elle magazine, Florence Pugh revisited the body-shaming comments she endured after donning a sheer pink tulle Valentino gown with a halter neck during the brand’s show in Rome in July 2022.
Pugh candidly explained her rationale behind wearing the dress and how she responded to the criticism. She stated, “I speak openly about my body because I’m not trying to conceal the cellulite on my thigh or the softness between my arm and my breast. I’d much rather embrace it all.”
Pugh expressed that what genuinely unsettles some is when she showcases what they perceive as “too much” of herself. She recalled the controversy surrounding the Valentino pink dress from a year ago, in which her nipples were visible through a sheer fabric. She remarked, “It’s the freedom that people are scared of—the fact that I am comfortable and content.”
She continued, “For a long time, keeping women down through body-related comments has been effective. Now, many people are saying, ‘I don’t care.’ We must continually remind everyone that women’s bodies have more than one purpose.”
Florence Pugh’s comments came as she was named “British Icon” at Elle magazine’s Style Awards.
This isn’t the first time the 27-year-old actress has addressed the backlash she faced for her outfit last July. At that time, she candidly discussed the “aggressive” and “vulgar” comments made about her breasts and nipples in an Instagram post. She noted the ease with which some men publicly and proudly critique a woman’s body, highlighting the recurring issue of body shaming that women endure.
Pugh also raised a poignant question, asking, “Why are you so afraid of breasts?” In doing so, she continues to champion body positivity and the freedom to express oneself without fear of judgment.