Why Do People Hate Angelina Jolie?

Angelina Jolie is one of the most famous and influential actresses in Hollywood. She has starred in blockbuster films like Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, and Maleficent. Jolie is also known for her humanitarian work as a Goodwill Ambassador for the UN Refugee Agency and her advocacy for women’s rights.

However, despite her accomplishments, Jolie has faced a significant amount of backlash and hatred from the public over the years. There are several reasons why some people dislike or even hate the actress.

Reasons Why People Dislike Angelina Jolie

Her Relationship with Brad Pitt

One of the main reasons Jolie is hated stems from her relationship with Brad Pitt. The two met while filming Mr. & Mrs. Smith in 2004, while Pitt was still married to Jennifer Aniston. Jolie and Pitt denied affair rumors at first but eventually went public with their relationship in 2006, shortly after Pitt’s divorce was finalized.

Many fans saw Jolie as a homewrecker who came between Pitt and Aniston. She was painted as the “other woman” who stole Aniston’s husband. The cheating allegations and divorce timeline caused a huge public backlash against Jolie. Even today, many see her as the one to blame for the downfall of Pitt and Aniston’s marriage.

Her Eccentric Behavior

Jolie has demonstrated some unusual and eccentric behavior over the years that rubs people the wrong way. For example, she wore a vial of Billy Bob Thornton’s blood around her neck when they were married. She also admits to having experimented with knives and cutting herself during her youth.

Jolie’s dark and edgy past makes her an easy target for criticism. Her goth phase and odd habits cause some to view her as strange or potentially dangerous. Even though she has matured, her earlier antics still fuel dislike from some.

Her Intense Passion

While admirable to some, Jolie’s intense passion and commitment to causes she believes in can be off-putting to others. She takes on issues like human rights, refugee aid, and women’s health with an almost missionary-like zeal.

Jolie’s in-your-face approach to activism may seem overbearing, naive, or insincere to critics. There is a perception she champions issues to boost her own image rather than enact real change. Her intense focus on human rights in the developing world strikes some as patronizing.

Her Extreme Beauty

Petty as it may seem, Jolie’s extreme beauty and sex appeal also fuel jealousy and dislike from both men and women. She has a unique, exotic look that some find intimidating.

Jolie’s full lips, toned body, and natural attractiveness are hard for average people to live up to. Her otherworldly aura rubs many the wrong way. Women may resent her beauty and sex symbol status while men feel inadequate lusting after her. Her looks add to the animosity.

Her Divisive Personality

Jolie seems to have a “love her or hate her” persona that elicits strong reactions from both fans and detractors. Her outspoken nature, compounded by her beauty and celebrity, polarizes public opinion.

She presents herself as an independently minded woman focused on social justice. But critics see her crusades as vain publicity stunts from someone acting superior. Her moralizing strikes some as hypocritical.

Allegations of Being a Bad Mother

Jolie has faced criticism for how she raises her six children with Brad Pitt. Tabloids often run stories alleging she is an unstable or absent mother.

Headlines have claimed Jolie ignores her kids, drags them around the world for her UN work, or imposes bizarre rules. There is a public perception she tries to control them. True or not, these rumors fuel the image of Jolie as a bad mom.

Her Bluntness and Arrogance

Jolie has a reputation for being extremely blunt, direct, and arrogant. In interviews and at public events, she can come across as aloof, opinionated, and cocksure.

Her tendency to speak her mind with brutal honesty strikes some as tactless and egotistical. Jolie does not mince words or cave to public pressure. Her uncompromising nature grates on those wanting her to be more demure and flexible.

Her Tattoos and Androgynous Appearance

Jolie sports over a dozen tattoos all over her body, including abstract designs on her back and arms. She also styles her hair very short and androgynous at times. Her edgy look turns off those preferring a softer, more feminine appearance.

While tattoos and short hair are now mainstream, Jolie adopted this aesthetic before it was fashionable. Those who dislike nonconformity see her ink and style as deviant. Her refusal to adhere to expectations of beauty angers traditionalists.

When Did Angelina Jolie Start Receiving Backlash?

Jolie’s controversial reputation solidified in the mid-2000s during her high-profile relationship with Brad Pitt:

• 2005 – She is cast as an unpopular choice to play Marianne Pearl in A Mighty Heart due to her tattoos and beauty. Critics see Jolie as too glamorous for the part.
• 2006 – Her pregnancy announcement with Pitt’s child causes outcry coming just months after he split from Aniston. Many saw it as proof of an affair.
• 2008 – She gives an interview about falling in love with Pitt on the set of Mr. & Mrs. Smith, furthering homewrecker perceptions.
• 2010 – Speculation abounds when Pitt’s ex Jennifer Aniston says Jolie’s comments on their affair were “uncool.”

The animosity has lingered in the decade since, especially in light of her pending divorce from Pitt. Her critics feel vindicated while supporters defend her.

Common Arguments People Make Against Angelina Jolie

Some of the most frequent criticisms and counterarguments regarding Jolie include:

She’s a bad mother:

• Tabloid photos allegedly show her looking gaunt or not interacting with her kids. Critics say it proves she ignores them.
• Counterargument: Tabloids exaggerate. Jolie faces excessive scrutiny as a celeb mother. No evidence suggests actual neglect.

She’s narcissistic and sanctimonious:

• She adopts kids from orphanages like accessories to boost her image.
• Counterargument: Jolie’s adoptions save lives and raise awareness. Her kids appear happy and well-cared for.

She ruined Jennifer Aniston’s marriage:

• Timeline shows she seduced Pitt and flaunted the affair.
• Counterargument: No one but Pitt and Aniston knows the real reasons for their divorce. Jolie may not deserve all the blame.

She’s too intense and weird:

• The blood necklace, self-harm, tattoos, and androgyny make her seem unhinged.
• Counterargument: Her edgy past does not mean she’s unstable now. Jolie has matured and deserves fair assessment.

She’s a hypocrite:

• Jolie preaches human rights yet enjoys a lavish celebrity lifestyle.
• Counterargument: Philanthropy and wealth are not mutually exclusive. Her work seems driven by genuine conviction.

She’s arrogant and tactless:

• Jolie lectures the public and speaks bluntly without filtering comments.
• Counterargument: Confidence and conviction can seem like arrogance but do not lessen the value of her work.

An Overview of Angelina Jolie’s Acting Career and Humanitarian Efforts

Despite the backlash she faces, Angelina Jolie has impressive accomplishments as an actress, director, and humanitarian activist.

Acting Career

• Starred in hit films like Girl, Interrupted (1999), Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001), Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005), Salt (2010), and Maleficent (2014).
• Won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for Girl, Interrupted in 2000.
• Earned over $20 million per movie at the height of her fame in the 2000s.
• Praised for her acting versatility in action, drama, and comedy genres.

Directing

• Directed films like In the Land of Blood and Honey (2011) and Unbroken (2014).
• First major star to make successful transition from acting to directing.
• Acclaimed for her behind-the-camera talents and ability to elicit strong performances.

Humanitarian Work

• Served as UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador since 2001, visiting over 60 refugees camps globally.
• Designated Special Envoy to the High Commissioner in 2012 with a focus on conflict-related sexual violence.
• Donated over $5 million to UNHCR since 2001 and millions more to other causes like Doctors Without Borders.
• Founded the Maddox Jolie Pitt Foundation to support conservation and community development.
• Strong voice for refugee rights, women’s issues, and child welfare worldwide.

Despite her detractors, Jolie’s acting and humanitarian accomplishments are remarkable for any public figure.

Why Does Angelina Jolie Generate Such Strong Feelings From People?

Angelina Jolie is a polarizing figure who elicits passionate opinions from both fans and critics. There are a few factors that contribute to her divisiveness:

Her unapologetic persona

Jolie is resolutely herself. She does not conform to expectations and speaks her mind openly. Her confident approach generates backlash.

Moral judgments about her choices

Her unusual past and relationships provoke moral outrage. Issues like divorce, adoption, and sexuality make her a lightning rod.

Resentment of her privilege

Her glamorous lifestyle and beauty fuel resentment. Some are jealous of her wealth and looks.

Public breakup with Brad Pitt

Widespread Team Jen vs. Team Angelina sentiment casts Jolie as the villain for ending the Hollywood golden couple.

Her intensity and contradictions

Jolie’s mix of otherworldly beauty, eccentric behavior, and passionate intensity is hard for people to reconcile. She defies easy categorization.

Sexism and scrutiny of female stars

Powerful women in entertainment face criticism for qualities considered strong in male stars. Jolie’s assertiveness elicits pushback.

Very few celebrities inspire such polarized feelings as Angelina Jolie. Her fascinating contradictions will likely continue fueling public debate.

Conclusion

Angelina Jolie is certainly a controversial figure who elicits both adoration from fans and hostility from detractors. While her relationship with Brad Pitt and eccentric past provide fodder for criticism, she is also an accomplished actress and humanitarian who donates millions to worthy causes.

Ultimately, the reasons people dislike Jolie have more to do with her unapologetic personality and privilege than any concrete evidence of wrongdoing. Her confidence, beauty, and contradictions make her a magnet for judgment. However, maintaining perspective is important. We should assess celebrities based on their work rather than tabloid gossip. Despite her flaws, Jolie has impacted many lives positively through her art and activism.

Frequently Asked Questions