- Paulina Porizkova, 57, clapped back at a commenter who said her photos contribute “to the objectification of women.”
- Porizkova responded by calling the comment “shameful” and objectifying.
- “Of course, men have no need to declare their courage in being unclothed,” she countered.
Paulina Porizkova is never one to shy away from speaking her mind. While the 57-year-old supermodel regularly posts lingerie photos, celebrates her nude body, and is no stranger to completely baring it all on Instagram, she, unfortunately, is often the target of criticism on social media. After yet another negative comment, the supermodel had enough—she used her platform to call out the hater.
Following a recent topless underwear photo where the former supermodel welcomed the new year and stated that she has “nothing to hide” and is “finally comfortable” in her own skin, someone took to the comments section with thoughts about how her photo “just contributes to the objectification of women,” and “really not that ground-breaking.”
“This comment is sadly true, even if somewhat misdirected,” Porizkova declared in her most recent Instagram post, where she highlighted the comment in question. She went on to say: “What is true, is that a bikini shot or a nude of me gets far more traffic on social media than any other kind of photo. It’s also true that men do not post themselves in their undies to declare how brave they are to age.”
But just because she conceded that photos sans clothes perform well on social media doesn’t mean she’s okay with the comment. “BUT. There are many bare-chested photos of men feeling pretty good about themselves, and none of them draw any ire at their self-exposure,” she continued in the lengthy response. “To me, choosing to pose—dressed or undressed—for a painting, a sculpture, or a photo is celebration of the physical self. But describing a woman as a ‘5’10, 120-lb. super model’ is objectification. It’s describing a woman as livestock, akin to “ a 67.3” 1200-lb. Holstein cow. It is additionally shaming her for using her body as she sees fit.”
What the commenter described is “not a problem ever placed on men,” Porizkova also noted. “So, of course, men have no need to declare their courage in being unclothed. So, although true, ultimately, this comment becomes an example of the objectification it rails against #betweenjloandbettywhite #objectificationversuscelebration.”
This isn’t the first time Porizkova has felt compelled to address negative comments. Just a few months ago the pro-aging activist began an empowering movement after responding to a comment telling her that she is “too old and ugly” to post bikini photos on social media. “I get comments like these every time I post a photo of my body. This is the ageist shaming that sets my teeth on edge,” she wrote in response. Porizkova’s bravery and honesty inspired thousands of women to share their own bikini photos, sparking a widespread #oldandugly movement—even Lisa Rina joined in.
In 2021 Porizkova took it even further, posting a nude Instagram photo in response to another comment which stated that she focuses “too much on yourself and your looks.” She replied by calling out the “societal taboo” that “an older woman is allowed wisdom, humor, patience—but not sensuality. Not sexiness.”
We love that Porizkova is unafraid to call out ageism and to stand up for herself. Porizkova’s confidence inspires us, and we can’t wait to see what empowering photos and insightful thoughts she shares next.
Freelance Editorial Assistant
Shannen Zitz is a Freelance Editorial Assistant at Prevention who recently graduated from the State University of New York at Cortland with an English degree. She loves all things fashion, beauty, and wellness. If she’s not reading or writing, you can probably find her frequenting the skincare and makeup forums on Reddit.