Jennifer Aniston is under fire for statements she made regarding influencer society and how young individuals acquire popularity.
Aniston, 53, discussed celebrity in 2022 with Sebastian Stan, 39, when in an Actors on Actors interview with Variety. She discussed how celebrities such as Paris Hilton and Monica Lewinsky rose to popularity as a result of the advent of internet culture.
They were talking about the Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee Jones sex tape, which prompted the “Friends” diva to critique internet culture at the time of the disclosure.
She explained it was at a period when the internet was really shaping a new attitude around individuals growing renowned. This thing about individuals being renowned by doing nothing. She is talking about Paris Hilton, Monica Lewinsky, and others.
p>Hilton’s sex tape with then-boyfriend Rick Salomon was released on the internet in 2004, while Lewinsky was notoriously embroiled in a sex scandal in 1998 with former President Bill Clinton.
Aniston added that she often remarked, she is grateful that they had a taste of the profession before it became what it is now, which is simply different – more streaming services, more individuals.
She continued that one is well-known on TikTok, YouTube and on Instagram. It’s almost as though it’s diminishing the actor’s work.
Fans accuse her of attempting to “gatekeep” fame. Some speculated that Aniston profited from nepotism because both of her parents, John Aniston and Nancy Dow, are actors.
“Jennifer Aniston (nepotism baby) wants to discuss diminishing actors’ jobs.” “You’re correct,” one individual commented.
“No, I get what she’s saying, but both of her parents are actresses,” another added.
“Both her parents were accomplished actors haha,” said one Twitter user. “If someone has skill and the only thing holding them back is NEPOTISM *ahem*, prejudice, an overall lack of opportunity, etc., why shouldn’t they use these networks to construct a platform for themselves?”
Others defended Aniston, noting that she was correct to state that the internet and social media platforms have transformed who gets parts.
“She’s not mistaken… The early 2000s were a time of transformation. “You have to have skill,” one fan remarked.
“She does have a point, though.” Trained performers and those fresh out of training have long been overlooked in favour of influencers with no training. And it’s happening across the board, regardless of colour or class. “Those influencers are usually white as well,” another remarked.
