Kate Beckinsale has taken to Instagram to defend her love for oversized bows, responding to critics who have labeled her fashion choice as “ridiculous.” The 50-year-old actress, known for her roles in “Underworld” and “Pearl Harbor,” faced a barrage of negative comments after posting a series of videos where she sported a giant black bow while engaging in various activities, from making mozzarella to singing karaoke with friends.
One commenter bluntly stated, “Please take that ridiculous bow off.” Beckinsale, not one to shy away from confrontation, shot back, “As I said before, take that expression off your bitter a** face. Unless you can’t. In which case, condolences.” Another critic claimed to be a happy person but still found the headpiece a poor choice. Beckinsale retorted, “You can’t be that happy if you have any time or inclination to actually type concerns about what someone you don’t know is wearing or not.”
The oversized bow also drew comparisons to a “toddler in a pageant,” to which Beckinsale sarcastically replied, “Lucky old me.” Despite the negativity, some fans appreciated her whimsical style. One admirer commented, “I love that the bows are getting bigger & bigger,” while others marveled at her youthful appearance, speculating on her secret to looking ageless. Beckinsale humorously responded, “My daughter is 25. I do think living with a man can be quite aging [to be honest].”
This isn’t the first time Beckinsale has addressed harsh comments about her appearance. In a now-deleted Instagram post from May 5, 2024, she shared side-by-side clips of herself on the red carpet, taken approximately 20 years apart. She revealed that the latter clip was filmed during a severe flare-up of mast cell disease. Beckinsale opened up about how cruel comments have exacerbated her “severe anxiety” about aging.
“I hate talking about this because I hate adding to this conversation but I’m doing it because insidious bullying of any kind over time takes a toll,” she began in the video. “Every time I post anything — and by the way, this has been the case since I was about 30 — I am accused of having had unrecognizable surgery/using Botox using fillers/being obsessed with looking younger and it’s really such a tiresome and subtly vicious way to bully a person.”
Beckinsale emphasized that she hasn’t undergone any cosmetic procedures, but the constant scrutiny has worsened her anxiety. “I’m also posting it because whatever someone looks like, accusing them constantly of things they haven’t done, or being obsessed with youth when actually, currently I’m obsessed with surviving loss, is bullying,” she continued. “Please stop now.”
While she acknowledged that her post might not stop the bullying, she hoped it would make some people reconsider their actions and recognize that she, too, has feelings. Beckinsale’s candidness about her struggles with anxiety and public perception has resonated with many, shedding light on the often-overlooked emotional toll of online criticism.
In another recent Instagram post, Beckinsale shared footage of herself dressed as an aging groom, complete with a wrinkly bald-headed face mask and a white suit. The transformation was a tongue-in-cheek response to the criticism she has faced. “New deal. This is all you’re getting,” she wrote in the caption. “Hope it is less triggering and more what you consider age appropriate. Sayonara b—–s.”
The actress’s playful yet defiant attitude towards her critics highlights her resilience in the face of relentless scrutiny. Beckinsale’s openness about her experiences with anxiety and bullying serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of words and the importance of kindness, both online and offline.
