Gloria Steinem refuses to talk sh*t about Emma Watson, obviously

"Let me ask you something: If you did a story on a young male actor who was very private and involved in activism, would you think he was too severe or serious?"
 By 
Laura Vitto
 on 
Gloria Steinem refuses to talk sh*t about Emma Watson, obviously
Credit: mashable composite: Rachel Murray/Getty Images, John Phillips/Getty images

Emma Watson covers the March issue of Vanity Fair with a profile that revisits her child star past, looks to her Disney princess future, and attempts to drag Gloria Steinem into some good old-fashioned shit talking.

In the piece, Vanity Fair's Derek Blasberg describes a PowerPoint presentation Watson created for fashion designers looking to dress her for her Beauty and the Beast tour.

"It included a questionnaire about how their garments are produced, what their impact is on the environment, and the moral reason why she should wear one on the red carpet."

While speaking with friends and colleagues for the profile, Blasberg asked Steinem -- a close friend of Watson's -- if the actress's "Goody Two-Shoes" persona might begin to irritate the general public.

As The Cut noted, Steinem wasn't having it.

As Steinem honors Watson’s high moral standards and relentless activism, I ask her if there’s a risk of becoming, well, annoying to the general public. Is she too much of an ethical Goody Two-Shoes? After all, what other starlet assigns fashion designers homework before she wears their clothes? Steinem is not amused. "Let me ask you something: If you did a story on a young male actor who was very private and involved in activism, would you think he was too severe or serious? Why do women always have to be listeners? Emma is interested in the world, she is caring, and though she is active she is also joyous and informed." At this point I’m backpedaling—"I think she’s wonderful!"—but Steinem still digs in. “It’s possible to be both serious and fun, you know. That response is why men will ask a woman, 'Why don’t you just smile, honey?'"

Good try though, Blasberg.

Mashable Image
Laura Vitto

Laura Vitto was Mashable's Deputy Culture Editor.

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You
Supreme Court denies case seeking copyrights for AI-generated art
The exterior of the US Supreme Court building.

'A Safe Distance' review: Don't overlook this sexy, sapphic thriller
Two people walk in the woods in "A Safe Distance."

Jimmy Kimmel breaks down the FCC's latest threat to talk shows
Jimmy Kimmel presents his show.


'Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die' cast confesses which apps have them addicted to their phones
Sam Rockwell at the junket for 'Good Luck Have Fun Don't Die"

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 4, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 4, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

Google launches Gemma 4, a new open-source model: How to try it
Google Gemma
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!