Jennifer Aniston faces a quick reaction to comments she made about celebrities who are “famous for doing nothing.”
The 53-year-old Friends star made the controversial statements during a Variety interview with fellow star Sebastian Stan, highlighting women such as Paris Hilton and Monica Lewinsky.
In his Actors on Actors talk with Stan, Aniston began talking about Internet culture and the rise of online stars that have redefined the meaning of “fame.”
READ MORE: Amber Heard denies harming the first post-trial interview
Jennifer Aniston made controversial comments about people who are “famous for doing nothing.” (YouTube)
READ MORE: Football star Ana Maria Marković rejects the “sexiest” label.
Aniston said the leak of Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee’s sex tape marked the beginning of a new generation of celebrities. “It was just at the time that the Internet really shaped a new culture about people becoming famous,” Aniston said.
“That of people who become famous basically for doing nothing but having these amazing careers. And then the reputation of women … I mean, Paris Hilton, Monica Lewinsky, all of them.”
Lewinsky was embroiled in the biggest political scandal of the century when he had an affair with then-President Bill Clinton in 1998.
Meanwhile, Hilton was thrown into an unlikely stardom after her 2004 sex tape with ex-boyfriend Rick Salomon leaked online.
Stan responded to Aniston’s comments, agreeing that the 1990s sparked a new wave of celebrities.
Aniston continued in his monologue, adding, “I feel so lucky that we had a little taste of the industry before it became what it is today.”
“More streaming services: you’re famous for TikTok, you’re famous for YouTube, you’re famous for Instagram. It’s almost like you’re diluting the actor’s work.”
Sebastian Stan and Jennifer Aniston in the series Actors on Actors by Variety. (Variety)
READ MORE: Why Harry and Meghan are at risk of being “cut off” from the royal family
Aniston’s opinion on celebrity culture didn’t sit well with social media users. She was called out for apparent hypocrisy because of her famous parents, actress Nancy Dow and Days of Our Lives star John Aniston.
Many used social media to criticize Aniston for being a “baby of nepotism.”
“Jennifer Aniston (baby of nepotism) wants to talk about diluting the work of the actors. That’s right,” wrote an enraged person.
“If someone is talented and the only thing that keeps them from succeeding is NEPOTISM * ejem *, discrimination, scarcity of opportunities in general, etc., why shouldn’t they use these networks to build a platform for themselves? ” asked another Twitter user.
One added: “Nepotism is rampant in Hollywood; it’s virtually impossible for emerging artists to enter the industry. Even Jennifer Aniston is related to people in the industry.”
Aniston was called a “baby of nepotism” because her father was actor John Aniston. (Getty)
READ MORE: Prince Charles and Camilla lead the procession to Royal Ascot while the queen skips the races
Meanwhile, some fans jumped in Aniston’s defense and agreed with his controversial point.
“She’s not wrong … in the early 00’s she revolutionized. In fact, you had to have talent,” one person said.
Another added: “However, he is kind of right. Trained actors and those who have just left the formation have been left out for influencers without any training for some time.”
“And it’s happening at every level, regardless of race / class. Normally, these influencers are white too.”
For a daily dose of 9Honey, subscribe to our newsletter here.
The children of the Hollywood elite