Gwyneth Paltrow has announced that she’ll be taking a social media break for the foreseeable future.
The Oscar-winning actress posted on Instagram Wednesday that she’s “Taking this full moon energy with me as I go into a social media break. Going to work on being present. Happy summer,” along with an emoji of two pink hearts. The announcement follows a controversial post Gwyneth uploaded on June 30th featuring images of a family trip to Italy with husband Brad Falchuk, which prompted many fans to beg the actress to use sunscreen, as it appeared her skin was severely sun damaged.
READ MORE: Gwyneth Paltrow Opens Up About ‘Embracing’ Aging After Backlash Over ‘Horrific’ Sun Damage Photos
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Gwyneth Paltrow Announces Social Media Break
Gwyneth‘s announcement was attached to an image of the Goop founder seemingly sitting in a yard on a summer evening, fitting in perfectly with her “enjoying the moment” motto expressed in the caption. The post has gotten over 68,000 likes on Instagram so far, with many fans—including fellow A-listers—both applauding the move and wishing the star well during her “time off.”
Fellow Oscar nominee Michelle Pfeiffer commented, “Good for you,” with emojis of clapping hands and a heart. Singer Katy Perry joked, “I know you won’t see this but I back this message.” Some followers were saddened by the move: “Hope it’s not for some mean comments that some frustrated people make…” wrote one commenter. “Your posts are full of positive energy.” Another added, “Don’t abandon us,” with a crying emoji attached. A fan Instagram for the Shakespeare in Love actress shared well wishes for the break. “We’ll miss you! Enjoy ur summer! U deserve! Sending lots of love.”
Fans Commented On Gwyneth's 'Sun Damaged' Skin; Urged Use of Sunscreen
The announced break follows backlash the Goop doyenne received following a photo carousel post made in late June featuring her relaxing with husband Brad Falchuk in Italy. In one of the images, Gwyneth can be seen laying with Brad, wearing sunglasses, a necklace and little else. She has apparent freckles and tan lines shown on her skin.
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Fans packed the comment section to urge the Marvel actress to take better care of her skin in reaction to the images. "People, use sunscreen!" exclaimed one concerned fan. "Sound advice," one fan replied, adding, “Her skin appears dry and sunburnt...Quite odd considering Goop," referring to Gwyneth's lifestyle and beauty company. Another fan said, "Your sun damage is horrific," while yet another commented, "I thought she was the big health guru? She looks like someone who hasn’t been wearing her sunscreen."
"All that hustle about skin care and then skin destroyed by sun. Do not get it honestly!" added a follower, while someone else questioned, "Is [using] sunscreen anti-Goop?"
However, many followers defended the actress. "These comments are hysterical," noted one Instagram user. "What this current generation finds 'HORRIFIC' is a woman enjoying herself with her husband. Get back to us when all of you are 50 or 60. We grew up in a totally different world, she probably drank out of the garden hose too!!!!!!" Others agreed: "Good grief people! Quit judging! My skin is horrible and I’ve tried hard to take care of it all my life," argued a fan. "Yes, sun causes issues however there are other factors we can’t control that cause major issues as well. I have severe anxiety over my skin and try everything. Your comments are why I fear showing my arms/legs in public. People are rude!"
In an interview with British Vogue a month after the Italy post, Gwyneth was candid about her feelings regarding her image and aging gracefully. Talking to the fashion bible about the double standards of men getting older versus women getting older, the Shallow Hal actress stated, "I think it's culture’s problem," adding, "It’s handsome to go gray [as a man], but for women it’s like, 'What do you plan to do about your wrinkles and your aging skin?' There’s definitely a double standard." Gwyneth summed up her feelings by saying, "I don't want to erase time from the life I've lived, and I don't have to be wrinkle free."
