Robert Downey Jr. Slams Media for Label on Gwyneth Paltrow

At the 20th Sherry Lansing Leadership Award ceremony in Los Angeles, Robert Downey Jr. took the opportunity to speak warmly about his long-time mate and Marvel co-star, Gwyneth Paltrow. While sharing his admiration, he didn’t hold back from having a dig at the press for the way they’ve described her over the years. He pointed out that the term “polarising” has been thrown around to paint her in a negative light, saying:

[Polarising is] a word used by dingbats to falsely describe powerful women who demonstrate decades of irrefutable relevance and reinvention

His comments come after years of Paltrow being at the centre of heated debates and public scrutiny, often due to her outspoken nature or controversial choices. Here’s a look at why the label has stuck and what’s behind the media’s use of it.

Why Paltrow Gets Tagged as 'Polarising'

One of the main reasons Paltrow cops the “polarising” tag is her involvement with Goop, her wellness brand. She’s promoted a range of products and health ideas that many reckon lack scientific backing, which has drawn plenty of criticism. Her approach to women’s health and the way she markets these products has been called out as potentially risky, especially for those who might be vulnerable.

Her rise in the wellness industry has sparked plenty of debate, with some punters feeling she’s out of touch with everyday people. There’s also been talk about her not being too fussed about the impact her products might have on others. On top of that, stories have surfaced about Goop’s workplace culture, with claims of a toxic environment, though Paltrow has denied these reports.

She’s also found herself in the headlines for other reasons, like the Utah ski incident that led to a $300,000 lawsuit, and a comment she made about parenting as an actor being tougher than a regular office job. These moments have only added fuel to the fire when it comes to her public image.

How Their Off-Screen Bond Shaped the MCU

The connection between Paltrow and Downey Jr. goes back to before their Marvel days, and it’s clear their friendship brought something extra to their on-screen partnership. Their chemistry in the Iron Man films felt genuine, with plenty of quick-witted exchanges and improvisation that made their characters’ relationship believable.

This natural rapport carried through to the more emotional scenes, where their performances played off each other seamlessly. Paltrow understood her character’s role in keeping Tony Stark grounded, and it showed in the way their interactions kept the story real and relatable.

Their off-screen friendship helped shape the dynamic between Pepper Potts and Tony Stark, making their relationship a key part of the films’ appeal.

Iron Man Films: A Quick Look

For those keen on the numbers, here’s a snapshot of the three Iron Man films. The first, directed by Jon Favreau, scored 7.9/10 on IMDb and pulled in $585 million at the box office. The sequel, also by Favreau, landed a 6.9/10 rating and made $623 million. Shane Black took the reins for the third, which notched up a 7.1/10 and a massive $1.21 billion in takings. All three are now streaming on Disney+ for local fans.

What did you make of the on-screen partnership between Downey Jr. and Paltrow? Let us know your thoughts below.