Why Do People Hate Jemima Kirke?
Jemima Kirke is an English-American artist and actress best known for her role as Jessa Johansson on the HBO series Girls. While many appreciate her talents, some people have expressed dislike or hatred towards the celebrity. This article will analyze common reasons why people harbor negativity towards Jemima Kirke.
Character on Girls
Jemima Kirke’s breakout role as Jessa on Girls has shaped public perception of the actress. As one of the main characters on the show, Jessa exhibited several unlikable traits:
Self-Centered and Manipulative
Throughout the show, Jessa often manipulated situations and people to get what she wanted without considering others’ feelings. Her self-centered behavior upset some viewers.
Reckless and Irresponsible
Jessa made questionable life choices like spontaneously marrying a man she barely knew. Her reckless behavior frustrated some people.
Pretentious and Judgmental
Jessa presented herself as highly intellectual and worldly but was hypocritical in judging others’ life choices. This pretentiousness bothered some audiences.
While Kirke was only acting out a fictional character, some people unfortunately directed their dislike towards the actual actress.
Privileged Upbringing
As the daughter of a wealthy English artist and an American real estate developer, Jemima Kirke was raised in privileged circumstances in New York City.
Attended Elite Schools and Had Famous Connections
She attended elite private schools and had access to exclusive artistic and entertainment circles through her parents. This luxurious upbringing may rub some people the wrong way.
Seen as Pretentious and Out-of-Touch
Some believe she comes across as pretentious or out-of-touch with regular people’s lives and struggles. Her posh background may contribute to negative perceptions.
Feminism and Political Views
Kirke identifies as a feminist and progressive. She has participated in the Women’s March and spoken about reproductive rights issues.
Support of Controversial Causes
Her support of certain controversial feminist or liberal causes may anger more conservative-leaning people.
Outspoken Nature on Sensitive Issues
Additionally, her unabashed outspokenness on hot-button gender, sexuality, or political issues may cause resentment from those with opposing views. However, she sees raising awareness on these topics as her responsibility.
“As a cis, white, heterosexual woman with a platform, I think I have a responsibility to bring attention to the issues women face,” Kirke told UK newspaper The Independent in 2022.
Messy Divorce and Open Marriage
In 2014, Kirke divorced her husband Michael Mosberg after a short-lived open marriage. Some fans viewed her rather non-traditional approach to marriage and sexuality as distasteful.
| Year | Major Event |
|---|---|
| 2009 | Kirke marries Mosberg |
| 2012 | Kirke gives birth to son |
| 2014 | Kirke divorces Mosberg |
Violation of Cultural Norms
Her open marriage violated conventional cultural expectations of fidelity and monogamy. More traditionalist fans saw her lifestyle as inappropriate or immoral.
Children Involved in Messy Situation
Additionally, some fans felt sympathy for her child caught in the middle of a rather messy marital and public situation.
Public Perception Changed After Girls Ended
Interestingly, hatred towards Jemima Kirke actually dissipated after Girls ended its six-season run in 2017.
No Longer Associated With Controversial Character
Without seeing Kirke portray Jessa’s questionable behavior week-to-week, she became disassociated from the unlikable character in fans’ minds.
Showed Range By Pursuing Other Projects
In recent years, Kirke has taken on more varied acting roles, author projects, and feminist collaborations. Demonstrating her range has gradually regained goodwill from converted haters.
Keeping Lower Profile and Focusing on Family
And by generally keeping a lower profile and concentrating on raising her children, she has avoided major controversies or criticism.
Conclusion
In review, Jemima Kirke stirrred significant hatred while starring as Jessa on Girls from 2012-2017 due to that character’s objectionable traits. Her elite upbringing and open marriage also drew criticism as well as her outspoken feminism. However, in years since, she has regained favor through showing acting range, championing women’s causes she cares about, and focusing more privately on family versus publicly seeking fame.
While she still has detractors, through personal growth and demonstrating broader talents, she has converted many initial skeptics into fans. With her authenticity and drive to enlarge positive female perspectives in the arts and culture, one hopes her support will continue increasing. Perhaps audiences can gain inspiration from her journey in learning not to hastily judge based solely on gender and sexuality biases or incomplete information formed from an old TV role.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did people dislike Jessa’s character on Girls?
Many disliked Jessa’s character because she often acted selfishly, irresponsibly, judgmentally, and hurt other people without remorse. She violated societal norms without apologizing.
How did Jemima Kirke grow up?
Kirke grew up very privileged as the daughter of wealthy British artist Simon Kirke and American property developer Lorraine Dellal. She attended elite private schools and had access to exclusive entertainment and art circles in New York City.
What are some causes Kirke actively supports?
Kirke uses her platform to advocate for women’s reproductive rights. She openly identifies as a feminist dedicated to progressive, women-empowering causes like eradicating gender-based discrimination.
When and why did public hatred of Kirke dissipate?
After Girls ended in 2017, hatred of Kirke mostly dissipated as she displayed more roles that contrasted with Jessa’s persona. Staying out of major scandals and focusing on family instead of fame enabled her public redemption too.
Why might traditional fans disapprove of Kirke’s open marriage?
Kirke’s open marriage defied conventions of fidelity and monogamy that more conservative admirers expect. To them, violating norms that children and partners should absolutely come first seemed immoral.
