Halle Berry Expertly Shuts Down a Misogynistic Attack on Her Nude Photo

There’s no denying that showing skin is definitely in these days. Celebrity red carpets and public appearances have become a playground for daring, body-conscious looks. There’s been a fair share of buzzy looks in recent months: Florence Pugh’s headline-making “free the nipple” Valentino number; Lady Gaga’s bum-baring Versace dress at the Oscars; and Hunter Schafer’s barely-there Vanity Fair After-Party feather top. Despite the growing ubiquity and subtle power of showing off what you’ve got on your terms, some naysayers are still lobbing deeply misogynistic and ageist attacks at women comfortable in their skin. 

Case in point: Halle Berry. On Saturday, the Oscar-winning actor shared an Instagram snap of herself enjoying a glass of wine while standing nude on a balcony. It’s an idealistic scene showing a person feeling utterly at ease with both themselves and the world. The image almost feels like a painting, with deep shadows artfully covering Berry’s most precious bits and blonde sunlight glistening off her skin. “I do what I wanna do,” Berry wrote in the photo’s caption. 

Disappointingly, some people have felt the need to attack the 56-year-old star for her post. “Imagine being in your 50s, still posting nudes for attention in menopause when you should be chilling with the grandkids,” one Twitter user wrote. (Never mind that Berry doesn’t have grandkids.) “Aging with dignity is no longer a thing.” As of today, the post had received over 5,000 likes. 

Berry, however, seems to be unbothered by the critiques. She responded directly to the ageist comment with an appropriate clap back, writing, “Did you guys know the heart of a shrimp is located in its head?” 

Sadly, the misogynistic attacks on Berry’s photo are only the latest in a worrying trend. Just last month, Ciara sparked similar problematic commentary when she wore a thong-baring nude dress that showed off her impressive dancer’s physique at the Vanity Fair After Party. Social media immediately erupted with barbed reactions, with one user writing, “Husbands, would you let your wife dress like Ciara out in public?” The debate that ensued over “appropriate vs. inappropriate” clothes for mothers and wives highlights just how loaded fashion can be. Ciara’s response to the brouhaha? Uploading more great snaps and videos of her look.