5 Beloved Celebrities Criticized for Showing Their Beach Body— Photos

A handful of admired celebrities have redefined the norms by embracing their beach bodies amidst critique.Pushing back against ageism and beauty stereotypes, these stars promote a message of body positivity.As these A-listers counter the backlash, they spotlight a cultural shift towards reimagined beauty ideals.Advertisement

Times relentless current often sweeps through Hollywood, casting a critical eye on the beachside moments of its stars. Jennifer Lopezs striking beachwear and David Beckhams personal snapshots have drawn waves of public attention and critique.

Yet, theres a shift in the air, a changing tide that ushers in a celebration of natural beauty and the genuine essence of aging, heralding an era where authenticity is not just seen but embraced.

From Penny Lancaster celebrating her journey through menopause to Sasha Obama confidently facing down critics, these five celebrities have braved harsh judgments for simply enjoying the beach.

Their experiences extend beyond just the moments captured in the sand; theyre part of a broader narrative pushing Hollywood towards a more accepting and diverse understanding of beauty, challenging an industry often criticized for its inflexibility.

Sasha Obama

Longorias self-assured stance on aging leads us to Sasha Obama, the youngest daughter of former U.S. President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama, who made waves in September 2023 with her beach appearance.

Sasha, who graduated from USC in 2023, was photographed in a bikini top, casually enjoying time with friends while showcasing her midriff. Pictures also showed Sasha smoking a cigarette as she stood in the street chatting with her pals.

Despite being part of a family that has consistently been in the public eye, Sashas personal choices and appearance drew sharp criticism from onlookers. The 22-year-olds casual, confident beach attire was met with disapproval from some, who made unsolicited remarks about her physique.

One commenter bluntly stated, “[She] certainly doesnt hit the gym like her momma,” unfavorably comparing her fitness regime to that of her mothers well-known commitment to wellness.

The criticism extended beyond her physique; some comments starkly and unwarrantedly focused on her lifestyle choices with one user simply saying, “I have no words…”, and another adding, “Shameful,” as if to express disappointment or disbelief.

A particularly harsh critique came from someone claiming, “Ive got a better body than that and Im 73!” while another voiced a nostalgic lament for perceived lost standards, saying, “Im old. I remember the days when anyone in the public eye, whether they courted it or not, would not be seen in public like that. Standards have fallen, sadly.”

Yet, Sasha Obama, much like the other celebrities discussed, appears unaffected by the critical gaze. She continues to live her life unapologetically, undeterred by the negative comments or the pressures that come with her familys prominence.

Sasha Obama at the national Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Washington in 2015 | Source: Getty Images

This approach mirrors the sentiment previously expressed by her mother Michelle, who takes solace in the close bond between Sasha and her older sister, Malia Obama, 25, as they navigate lifes milestones together.

Malia, Michelle, Barack, and Sasha Obama posing in front of The White House as The First Family with their pets in Washington in 2015 | Source: Getty Images

AdvertisementPenny Lancaster

Penny Lancaster, celebrated for her modeling career and her marriage to the legendary rock and pop singer Rod Stewart, navigates public life and personal challenges with poise.

Penny Lancaster and Rod Stewart in New York in 2004 | Source: Getty Images

Despite their significant 24-year age difference, Stewart has been vocal about the transformative impact Lancaster has had on his life, particularly highlighting the confidence shes gained over the years from a shy individual to one who commands the room.

Penny Lancaster and Rod Stewart in London in 2005 | Source: Getty Images

In April 2023, Lancaster, who will turn 53 on March 15, 2024, embraced the changes brought about by menopause and confidently donned a black and pink bikini for a beach outing with her sons, Alastair and Aiden.

Rod Stewart and his wife Penny Lancaster with their children Alastair and Aiden in London in 2016 | Source: Getty Images

This moment of personal celebration, however, became a point of critique on social media. Critics on Facebook did not hold back, with one user saying, “Id rather see Rod in a bikini,” and another “Nope. Nothing pretty about this. Theres a point [where] one has to stop wearing a bikini!”

Penny Lancaster and her son Alastair in Italy in 2009 | Source: Getty Images

Some even suggested Lancaster reconsider her beach attire due to her body changes, with remarks like, “Needs a bigger bra.” Others said there was no reason for her to look like that when she had a husband with money.

Amidst this wave of criticism, 79-year-old Stewart stood firmly by Lancaster, offering unwavering support to counter the negative commentary.

He expressed deep admiration for his wife, stating, “No, she is absolutely the most gorgeous woman I have ever had in my life,” highlighting his deep-seated affection and respect for Lancaster beyond superficial standards.

AdvertisementJennifer Lopez

Similar to Lancaster, Jennifer Lopez also faced online scrutiny, this time for her bold fashion choices during a beach photoshoot on the stunning Amalfi Coast in August 2023.

At 54, the multi-talented songstress and pop culture icon, known for her ageless beauty and formidable career in music and acting, dazzled fans and onlookers with her physique, radiating confidence in a strikingly skimpy white bikini.

However, it wasnt her radiant smile or the picturesque backdrop that captured the publics attention; rather, it was her choice of swimwear that sparked a flurry of comments.

Lopezs ensemble, a daring combination of a barely-there triangular bikini top and matching tiny thong bottoms showcased her celebrated curves and paid homage to her status as a style icon.

The look was perfectly complemented by shades, a colorful headscarf to shield her from the sun, and her bronzed tan glowing against the Mediterranean backdrop.

The reaction on social media was immediate and divided. Comments on Facebook varied, with one user critiquing, “Looks like shes wearing a face mask as a bottom, terrible looking suit.”

Another comment likened her bikini to an “old style sanitary towel with the strips to hold them in place,” humorously adding, “Hers looks like it slipped to the side when sitting down!” A further user offered a less flattering comparison, stating, “She looks like someone dropped a Blancmange.”

This beach outing is not an isolated incident of Lopez turning heads with her swimwear choices. A side-by-side comparison of Lopez in nearly identical beach outfits from 2016 and 2023 went viral on Instagram, admirably pointing out the almost eight-year age difference between the photos.

On both occasions, Lopezs choice of a white string bikini, once elevated with a sheer Missoni wrap skirt, showcased her timeless appeal and consistent dedication to fashion.

Despite the mixed feedback, with some voicing concerns about modesty and appropriateness, the discussion surrounding the “Selena” alums beach attire underscores her undiminished ability to remain a focal point of fashion discourse.

Her unparalleled fashion sense has been a topic of fascination for years, showcasing a remarkable blend of boldness and elegance that has left a lasting impact on the world of style.

David Beckham

Following the discussions surrounding Lancaster and J.Lo, David Beckham emerged as another celebrity who faced public scrutiny, albeit for different reasons.

Renowned for his illustrious football career and status as a global style icon, Beckhams beach outing in September 2023 took an unexpected turn when he shared a shirtless photo of himself.

Once celebrated for his athletic physique, the former sportsman encountered criticism over the natural changes his body has undergone with age. Fans and internet users were quick to comment on the photo, highlighting the visible signs of aging in Beckhams physique.

The shift from his once chiseled form to what some described as “saggy abs” sparked a notable amount of dialogue, with one user suggesting the unflattering appearance might be attributed to the camera angle, whimsically adding that it made him look like he had a “strange disease.”

The discourse didnt stop at his physique; Beckhams efforts to possibly appear in better shape were also a point of contention. Some speculated that he appeared as if he were “trying to suck in his stomach,” with one commenter humorously noting, “If he holds his breath any longer, he looks like hes gonna pass out.”

David Beckham on August 18, 2023, in Nerano, Italy. | Source: Getty Images

Further criticism extended to Beckhams well-known tattoos, with some expressing that the ink made him appear as if he was “covered in dirt” or had been “rolling in the sand.”

Despite this wave of criticism, Beckham appears to go strong and seems largely unfazed by the negative comments. His beach outing, while subject to scrutiny, also serves as a reminder of the intense scrutiny public figures face regarding their appearance.

AdvertisementEva Longoria

Another celebrity who found herself on the receiving end of public scrutiny is Eva Longoria, whose beach look ignited a fierce reaction from the online community.

Known for her roles in film and television, as well as her work behind the scenes as a producer, Longoria has also embraced the joys of motherhood in her 40s, sharing her life with her son, Santiago Enrique Bastón, and her husband, José Bastón.

Her vacation in Spain in October 2023, however, brought her physical appearance under the microscope. At 48, Longoria confidently displayed her physique in a pink bikini, embodying the assertion that age is merely a numerical factor.

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Yet, the publics response to photos of her on the beach was mixed, with certain individuals choosing to voice negative opinions on her appearance.

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Another user, with a sarcastic undertone, “OMG! A middle-aged woman in a bikini! I cant contain myself!”

Despite these remarks, Longorias own perspective on aging and motherhood remains positive and inspirational. Having embraced motherhood in her 40s, Longoria sees her sons arrival as perfectly timed.

She expressed, “Santi was meant to be with me at this stage in my life. Im patient, I dont work as much — even if it doesnt seem that way! Its the right time.”

Moreover, the “Desperate Housewives” alums viewpoint on aging is refreshingly positive and grounded in self-acceptance. Acknowledging the inevitability of aging, she associates it with wisdom, experience, and maturity, embracing the process wholeheartedly.

“Its inevitable and its happening…I associate aging with wisdom and experience and maturity. For me, I lean into it…” Longoria stated, offering a powerful counter-narrative to the societal pressure of maintaining a perpetual youthfulness.

Eva Longoria encourages others to embrace each decade of life without fear of aging, highlighting the importance of valuing wisdom and experience over external appearances.

In weaving together the narratives of these beloved celebrities, we observe a remarkable common thread: they continue to exude confidence and grace, looking stunning despite the backlash they have faced.

Their poise and defiance against the critique of their natural aging process are helping to redefine traditional beauty norms, carving out a more inclusive and empowering Hollywood ethos for the future.

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