The 53-year-old recently received a Disney Legend honor, only to garner all manner of mean comments regarding a perceived change in her appearance.
Chief among the concerns of critics was the idea that the actress and talk show host has undergone possible cosmetic procedures (totally one hundred percent her business, but the internet is as the internet is).
In a recent Disney event, Ripa discussed living her dreams and getting the chance to meet distinguished industry figures like Harrison Ford, Angela Bassett, and John Cameron.
As usual, there was an unmistakable air of charm about the actress, yet it wasn’t her words that got people talking so much as her facial features. Now, before we go any further, we’d like to once again drive home the notion that no one’s appearance – celebrity or otherwise – should ever be fair game for people who only have horrible things to say.
In an age where body positivity and being kind to others is promoted most everywhere, it beggars belief that there are so many individuals ready to belittle others and point out perceived flaws online.
I guess for all its benefits, the internet is to blame for creating a space wherein people can be cruel without any real risk of reprisal, hiding behind their own screen in anonymity as they spread negativity.
But alas, I digress. This article is about Kelly Ripa, and the attention she garnered after opting for a look with minimalist makeup and subtle accessories.
Critics practically leapt at the opportunity to claim that Ripa might have undergone plastic surgery.
“Yikes!!!! another victim of Plastic Surgery,” one person wrote on Entertainment Tonight’s Instagram.
Another added: “Cheeks are melting 😮“
“Kelly, grow old gracefully,” said a third.
“Does she have cheek fillers-she didn’t need that,” wrote another.
A fifth wrote: “What is holding this woman together😮”
“Fine. Get fillers. Get botox. But why do you want to look so “worked on” that you look like a different, more plastic version of yourself. Seriously,” said a sixth.
We can only imagine that Kelly’s thick-skinned enough to ignore the haters, and hope that their negative chatter doesn’t take away from an evening wherein she was officially named a Disney Legend, an honor celebrating her contributions to the world of entertainment.
Addressing the audience upon receiving the award, Ripa joked: “I know what you’re thinking. Why her? What has she ever done? She doesn’t even go here.”
