Thandiwe Newton Dragged Sean Penn After He Made (Ignorant) Comments About Masculinity

“MF you used to be sexy but now you’re just tragic.”


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The Emmy-winning actor rightfully slammed him following his backward comments on the state of masculinity in American popular culture, calling him a “jibbering fool.”


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In a recent interview with the Independent, Sean said he believes “men have become quite feminized” and have “cowardly genes,” doubling down on previous comments.


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“I have these very strong women in my life who do not take masculinity as a sign of oppression toward them,” he told the Independent. “There are a lot of, I think, cowardly genes that lead to people surrendering their jeans and putting on a skirt.”

In an earlier interview with a U.K.-based outlet, the Licorice Pizza actor stated that he thinks there’s an “absence of male behavior.”


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“I am in the club that believes that men in American culture have become wildly feminized,” he said. “I don’t think that being a brute or having insensitivity or disrespect for women is anything to do with masculinity, or ever did. But I don’t think that [in order] to be fair to women, we should become them.”

In response, Thandiwe tweeted, “Dude what are you SAY-ING?? Like for REAL? You’re a jibbering FOOL. MF you used to be sexy but now you’re just tragic,” complete with a frustrated and crying laughing emojis.

.⁦@SeanPenn⁩ 🤣🤣🤣 Dude what are you SAY-ING?? Like for REAL? You’re a jibbering FOOL. MF you used to be sexy but now you’re just tragic 😤 Men for Becoming ‘Feminized’ – Variety https://t.co/MXKD474ihJ

08:35 PM – 30 Jan 2022


Thandiwe Newton / Via Twitter: @ThandiweNewton

I would just like to highlight how brilliant of a drag “MF you used to be sexy but now you’re just tragic” is. Everyone say, “Thank you Thandiwe!”

In a follow-up tweet, she pointed out how his interview was conducted alongside his 30-year-old daughter, Dylan. “In front of your DAUGHTER!? That poor little mite. Thank God her Mum’s so dope. Please stop ruining the brilliance of #LicoricePizza with this nonsense,” Thandiwe wrote.

In front of your DAUGHTER!? That poor little mite. Thank God her Mum’s so dope. Please stop ruining the brilliance of #LicoricePizza with this nonsense.

08:38 PM – 30 Jan 2022


Thandiwe Newton / Via Twitter: @ThandiweNewton

Dylan’s mother is Robin Wright, known for roles in The Princess Bride, Forrest Gump, and House of Cards. Robin and Sean were married from 1996 to 2010.

According to the Independent, while Sean shared his (unnecessary, literally no one asked) views, Dylan was “quiet, staring into space.” And, so far, he hasn’t responded to Thandiwe’s perfect read.


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It’s also worth noting that the actor has a history of domestic abuse and violence allegations. The actor has assaulted several photographers — in the late 80s (for which he served more than a month in prison) and as recently as 2009. In 1988, he was also charged with felony domestic assault on his then-wife Madonna, but avoided jail time by pleading to a misdemeanor. Madonna has since denied those allegations.

In the meantime, may I suggest…remaining quiet and perhaps not offering any toxic and outdated viewpoints on masculinity???

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger as a result of domestic violence, call 911. For anonymous, confidential help, you can call the 24/7 National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or chat with an advocate via the website.