Robert Downey Jr. Slams Media for Labeling Gwyneth Paltrow 'Polarizing'
At the Sherry Lansing Leadership Award event, Robert Downey Jr. called out the media for using a single word to cast his friend and Marvel co-star Gwyneth Paltrow in a negative light. Discover what sparked his passionate defense and the controversies that have surrounded Paltrow over the years.
At the 20th annual Sherry Lansing Leadership Award ceremony in Los Angeles, Robert Downey Jr. took a moment to honor his longtime friend and Marvel Cinematic Universe co-star Gwyneth Paltrow. While expressing his admiration, he also criticized the press for repeatedly using the term “polarizing” to paint Paltrow in a negative light.
Media Narratives and the 'Polarizing' Label
Downey Jr. didn’t hold back, stating,
[Polarizing is] a word used by dingbats to falsely describe powerful women who demonstrate decades of irrefutable relevance and reinvention
His remarks highlighted how the media often singles out influential women, using loaded language to shape public perception.
Paltrow has frequently found herself at the center of heated debates, with her actions and statements sparking controversy. The label “polarizing” has followed her for years, and Downey Jr.’s comments shed light on why this narrative persists.
Why Gwyneth Paltrow Faces Controversy
One major reason Paltrow is seen as divisive is her promotion of wellness products and practices through her company, Goop. Many of these products lack scientific support, and critics argue that her approach to women’s health can be misleading or even harmful. Her rise in the wellness industry has drawn both passionate supporters and vocal detractors.
Beyond her business ventures, Paltrow’s public image has sometimes been criticized for being out of touch with everyday people. Some believe she’s unconcerned about the potential impact her non-scientific products could have on vulnerable consumers. Reports have also surfaced about a toxic work environment at Goop, though Paltrow has denied these claims.
Other incidents have added fuel to the fire. She was involved in a high-profile lawsuit stemming from a ski accident in Utah, and once made headlines for suggesting that raising children as an actor is more challenging than doing so as an office worker. These moments have only intensified the scrutiny she faces.
On-Screen Chemistry: The Downey Jr. and Paltrow Dynamic
The close friendship between Downey Jr. and Paltrow began before their Marvel days, and their real-life bond translated into memorable on-screen chemistry. Their improvisational style brought authenticity to their roles, making their characters’ relationship feel genuine and relatable.
This connection was especially evident in emotional scenes, where their performances played off each other seamlessly. Paltrow’s portrayal of Pepper Potts grounded Tony Stark, keeping him connected to his humanity. Whenever Stark veered off course, Pepper—and sometimes Rhodes—helped bring him back, a dynamic that became a hallmark of the Iron Man films.
Their off-screen camaraderie enriched their performances, making their characters’ relationship a standout element in the Marvel universe.
Iron Man Trilogy: A Quick Look
The three Iron Man movies, directed by Jon Favreau and Shane Black, were produced by Marvel Studios and achieved both critical and commercial success. The original Iron Man (2008) holds a 7.9/10 IMDb rating and a 94% Rotten Tomatoes score, grossing $585 million. Iron Man 2 (2010) followed with a 6.9/10 IMDb rating and a 72% Rotten Tomatoes score, earning $623 million. Iron Man 3, directed by Shane Black, scored 7.1/10 on IMDb and 79% on Rotten Tomatoes, with a box office haul of $1.21 billion.
All three films are currently available to stream on Disney+ in the United States.