Scarlett Johansson is no newcomer to Hollywood or controversy. Actually, she’s known for being quite vocal on topics other celebrities tend to steer clear of! But ScarJo got some major backlash for her Met Gala gown recently. Wait, sorry, we heard she abhors the nickname “ScarJo” because she finds it lazy and insulting. Sorry, Scarlett!
Anyway, we are certain all celebrities who attend the Met Gala are expecting some criticism. Everyone doesn’t have the same taste in style and moreover, those Met Gala dresses are usually very vibrant and not very conservative. So at first, when people heard that Scarlett Johansson was being bashed for her outfit, no one thought twice. However, this was not your usual outfit critique. No, Scarlett Johansson found herself entwined in a much larger conflict. Well, we’ll get to that soon enough.
Of course, many think of her incredible style when reminded of Scarlett Johansson. Yes, she’s always been a fan of high fashion. That’s why no one expected such a negative response to her Met Gala dress. So yes, maybe you were a bit confused to hear the uproar Scarlett Johansson’s outfit made. Anyway, this Avengers star did not take the criticism lightly though. As you may have guessed, she had quite a lot to say in response. Typical Scarlett Johansson, right? No one can insult this leading lady without getting a piece of her mind back. Hey, we don’t blame her. Whichever side you take on this issue, you have to respect her for standing strong and speaking out about her beliefs. That takes courage for sure. Not everyone can say the same about themselves.
Yes, this is much bigger than those tabloid stories of her exes Ryan Reynolds and Romain Dauriac. There are much bigger things than Hollywood love and divorce. Also many in Hollywood, besides fans worldwide, look to Scarlett Johansson as a role model. I mean, she is the highest paid actress after all. Yes, this talented woman has made her way onto Forbes many times. Back when she was a child she was destined for stardom. She starred in a Broadway show as a young girl and only continued to blossom to stardom since then. From Tonys to Golden Globes, you could say she’s reached ultimate success.
Early Days
Johansson was born in 1984 in…you guessed it, New York! Most of her early days, young Scarlett spent acting both in television and film. Perhaps, you remember her role in Home Alone 3 or The Horse Whisperer. Oh and yes, how could we forget her famous role in Lost In Translation.
Early Days
Breakthrough
When Scarlett Johansson got cast as Charlotte in Lost in Translation, the actress was only 17 years old! Pretty impressive to be so young and nail that role! From that role, she earned praise from the Los Angeles Film Critics Association and British Academy Film Awards, among others. More importantly, it launched her film career.
Breakthrough
Rising Star
Over the next few years, Scarlett Johansson became a huge Hollywood star. From Hollywood blockbusters to smaller indie productions, there was nothing Johansson couldn’t conquer. From Lucy to Her and of course, her Marvel films in which she played Black Widow, Johansson did it all.
Rising Star
Admired For Her Style
It wasn’t just her superb acting that the world couldn’t get over. Everyone began seeing her as a sex symbol. Esquire and Playboy, among others, named her as the Sexiest Woman Alive. In addition, her amazing sense of style gained her attention.
Admired For Her Style
Personal Life
Since the world was obsessed with Scarlett Johansson, no area of her life was left unexplored. Yes, as is typical for celebrities, her personal life has been under constant scrutiny. Of course, everyone wanted to know all about her marriages to both Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool) and the journalist Romain Dauriac.
Personal Life
Devastating Incident
Sadly, Scarlett Johansson learned how hard the life of a star can be. Back in 2011, someone hacked her and leaked private photos of the actress. She expressed her pain to Howard Stern in 2017, saying, “It was so devastating. It’s such a degrading and awful thing to have to go through that.”
Devastating Incident
Endorsement
Many supported Scarlett Johansson during that awful time. That wasn’t the only hardship she’s endured in the public. In 2014, she chose to endorse SodaStream- a company that makes its product in a West-Bank based factory. Organizations like Oxfam tried to boycott the company because of its connection to Israel. However, Scarlett Johansson was taking a different stance than most.
Endorsement
Standing By Decision
Despite public outcry, Scarlet Johansson was not willing to back down. She told The Observer, “I stand behind that decision. I was literally plunged into a conversation that’s way grander and larger than this one particular issue.”
Standing By Decision
Bold And Confident
Unlike other celebrities, she sure is not timid when it comes to speaking out about sensitive topics. She’s demonstrated a fearless approach to the media and public relations in general. This same attitude was on full display when she attended the 2018 Met Gala in NYC.
Bold And Confident
Center Of Attention
The annual Met Gala benefits the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, but most know it as the couture event of the year. From Rihanna and Amal Clooney to Donatella Versace, their co-chairs left nothing more to be desired this year. Now, many were confused why Johansson’s gown received the most attention.
Center Of Attention
Not The Look…
From a quick glance, nothing seemed too out of the ordinary with her clothing. Just a flowy, floral dress that seemed even a bit conventional for the Met Gala. However, it wasn’t the style everyone was responding to in fact. No, it was the name behind her gown that made people gasp.
Not The Look…
Particular Brand
Instead of going with the usual like Gucci, Versace or even Chanel, Scarlett Johansson went with a smaller brand called Marchesa. Marchesa was founded back in 2004 by Karen Craig and Georgina Chapman. Nowadays, people know the brand due to Chapman’s estranged husband, the film producer Harvey Weinstein. Yes, disgraced producer Weinstein was married to Georgina Chapman.
Particular Brand
Her Husband’s Notoriety Helped
Clearly, Chapman is not to blame for her ex’s assault crimes, but many claim her brand Marchesa did benefit from Harvey Weinstein’s coercive behavior. Back in 2017, Weinstein allegedly pressured certain celebs like Sienna Miller to wear Marchesa, as stated by The Hollywood Reporter.
Her Husband’s Notoriety Helped
Taking Criticism
Notably, Johansson herself has stood up against the culture of sexual harassment in Hollywood. Many criticized this activist for her apparent hypocrisy with comments on Twitter like “Are you serious?” and “Such a thoughtless, problematic person.” People couldn’t wrap their heads around the fact that Johansson, a Time’s Up supporter, would wear Marchesa.
Taking Criticism
In Her Defense
Despite all the negativity surrounding the actress’ attire, some jumped to defend her. Journalist Scott Feinberg claimed that the brand and even Georgina Chapman should not be held accountable for Weinstein’s horrific actions. He tweeted, “Harvey’s ex-wife is not responsible/should not be punished for his actions.”
In Her Defense
Speaking For Herself
Although some may have seen their defenses as noble, Johansson surely did not need anyone to speak for her. She released her own statement to E! News reaffirming her confidence in the decision, saying, “It is my pleasure to support a brand created by two incredibly talented and important designers.”
Speaking For Herself
Leaving Weinstein Out Of It
However, there was one looming figure that Johansson strategically left out of her press release…Harvey Weinstein. She did imply that Chapman shouldn’t suffer for his actions. Of course, her kind words did help the company suffering since the fall of Weinstein. Johansson stated, “I wore Marchesa because their clothes make women feel confident and beautiful.”
Leaving Weinstein Out Of It
Honored
Naturally, Georgina Chapman was overwhelmed with gratitude for all the support. She stated that her company was “truly honored” to have Johansson as a patron. The statement added, “She is an amazingly talented actor who has incredible style and presence. It was wonderful to work so closely with her in creating this custom look.”
Honored
Rebuttal
Weinstein was charged in June 2018. Yet, Johansson took time to defend Chapman and her reputation. She told The Jakarta Post that, “To me, it seems inhumane to hold someone accountable for their partner’s actions.”
Rebuttal
Loyal Or Not?
After all the allegations came out against Harvey Weinstein, Georgina Chapman told People she was leaving him. Chapman has been married to Weinstein since 2007, and they have two kids. Her news of divorce came a week after she first claimed to be standing by Weinstein. That initial announcement prompted some calls for people to boycott her company Marchesa.
Loyal Or Not?
First One
After the big Weinstein revelation, Scarlett Johansson became the first A-lister to wear a Marchesa piece to an event. Of course, people were not quick to forget Johansson’s work in support of #MeToo. She even went to the Women’s March in Los Angeles. However, wearing a Marchesa dress was no accident.
First One
Last Minute Cancelation
In February, Marchesa was actually supposed to debut their autumn/winter 2018 collection to NY Fashion Week. However, Marchesa pulled out of the runway show very last minute. Apparently, Georgina Chapman canceled because she “was too scared” due to the allegations against Harvey Weinstein and thus, “couldn’t go through” with the show, according to The New York Post.
Last Minute Cancelation
Her Statement
In October, Chapman released a statement that she was leaving her husband of ten years. She told People magazine, “My heart breaks for all the women who have suffered tremendous pain because of these unforgivable actions…I have chosen to leave my husband. Caring for my young children is my first priority and I ask the media for privacy at this time.”
Her Statement
Wintour’s Support
Vogue editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour, spoke out about Chapman, “Georgina is a brilliant designer, and I don’t think she should be blamed for her husband’s behavior.” Wintour shared this while appearing on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
Wintour’s Support
Facing Rejection
Although we know Scarlett Johansson today as one of the most successful actresses, things were not always easy for her. When she was only seven years old, a talent agent signed her brother and not her to an agency. Then in 2003, she got rejected by Tisch School of the Arts. Despite these setbacks she persevered.
Facing Rejection
Seeing Double
That brother who got signed? That’s Scarlett’s twin, Hunter. The two were born on November 22 back in 1984, but Scarlett is technically older by three minutes.
Seeing Double
Making A Vow
After Scarlett Johansson starred in Lost in Translation, she vowed she would only date men over 30 years old. Sure enough, she began Benicio Del Toro afterwards. He was 17 years older than her.
Making A Vow
Billboard Distraction
Apparently, Johansson got so distracted by her own cleavage on The Island‘s billboard ad that she almost got into an accident! Pretty funny story to say your own cleavage almost killed you! Luckily, she was okay.
Billboard Distraction
Woody’s Comments
Scarlett Johansson has worked with Woody Allen plenty of times. When they filmed Match Point, Allen said that she was “sexually overwhelming” and thus, he found it “very hard to be extra witty around a sexually overwhelming, beautiful young woman who is wittier than you are.”
Woody’s Comments
Obama Drama
Johansson is a huge Obama supporter, but a small incident in 2008 left her feeling embarrassed. Apparently, she bragged to Politico that she exchanged emails with Obama while he was running for president. She said, “You’d imagine that someone like the senator, who is constantly traveling and constantly ‘on’ – how can he return these personal e-mails? But he does.” However, Obama later told reporters Scarlett did not have his personal e-mail. Obama explained, “She sent one e-mail to Reggie, who forwarded it to me,” referring to his assistant, Reggie Love. He added, “I write, saying, ‘Thank you Scarlett for doing what you do,’ and suddenly we have this e-mail relationship.”
Obama Drama
Katy’s Muse
Remember Katy Perry’s hit, “I Kissed A Girl” that we heard on repeat? Well, Scarlett Johansson was her inspiration. Johansson responded to this, saying, “That’s flattering, but my lips are kind of taken.”
Katy’s Muse
Sorry, Justin
Although Scarlett Johansson played Justin Timberlake’s love interest in the video, “What Goes Around, Comes Around,” the actress did not get involved with him romantically. However, rumors did fly about the two dating.
Sorry, Justin
Too Beautiful
Did you know that Johansson tried out for the role of Lisbeth Salander for the movie, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo? However, casting directors claimed she was “too beautiful” for the part.
Too Beautiful
Relationship With Romain
Back in 2012, Johansson began dating Romain Dauriac, a Frenchman who owned an advertising agency. They got engaged a year later and had a daughter together named Rose Dorothy. Sadly, the couple divorced in 2017.
Relationship With Romain
Religious Affiliations
According to Scarlett Johansson, she identifies as Jewish. Therefore, she celebrates Hannukah in addition to Christmas. Her mother is Jewish.
Religious Affiliations
Colin Jost
Of course, many have been speculating about Scarlett Johansson and a love interest for months now. Finally, in December 2017 she confirmed her relationship with comedian Colin Jost. You probably know him from SNL’s “Weekend Update.” He’s a co-head writer for the show.
Colin Jost
BFFs
Even though many fans wish they were dating, Johansson is not dating her frequent co-star, Chris Evans. In fact, the two are actually good friends. They’ve starred in many films together from The Nanny Diaries and The Avengers to Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
BFFs
We Would Have Never Guessed
With a name like Starlett Johansson, who wouldn’t have figured out that Scarlett Johansson was the real inspiration! Yes, Starlett is really a character on The Looney Tunes.
We Would Have Never Guessed
Skincare Routine
Feeling envious of Scarlett Johansson’s blemish free skin? Wishing you could have such clear skin? Well, the secret to her success may just be her face washing routine. Apparently, she uses apple cider vinegar to wash her face and prevent any blemishes.
Skincare Routine
Not A Fan
Back when Scarlett Johansson was filming The Girl with the Pearl Earring, she came up with a special nickname for her co-star. Apparently, she called Colin Firth Fabio! Turns out, he hated the nickname.
Not A Fan
Let’s Put It Bluntly
Even though everyone only thinks of Johansson as Black Widow, the casting directors had someone else in mind initially. Truth is, they wanted Emily Blunt. Blunt was indeed signed on to play Natasha Romanoff, but dropped the film due to scheduling conflicts.
Let’s Put It Bluntly
Artistic Inspiration
Just like many others, artist Francesco Clemente was mesmerized by Johansson’s beauty. He was so enamored that he hand-painted Tarot cards, using Scarlett Johansson as the Queen of Swords. Did you know the Queen of Swords represents rational and intellectual aspects of the feminine self? If the shoe fits…
Artistic Inspiration
Addicted
Unfortunately, this star has been smoking since the young age of 15! She hasn’t been able to quit just yet.
Addicted
Family Roots
Scarlett Johansson is actually half Danish! Her dad is Karsten Johansson and he’s from Copenhagen, Denmark. Meanwhile, her mother, Melanie is from the Bronx and her family is Polish.
