Part 7/10:
Howard's narrative—that Hollywood demands she alter her natural body—contrasts sharply with the behaviors of male stars who undergo their own physical transformations for roles. For instance, Christian Bale famously gained weight for his portrayal of Batman, but he faced few public complaints about these demands. The industry often celebrates such dedication, reinforcing the perception that women are unfairly scrutinized for their bodies.
Howard's repeated victim mentality, critics argue, detracts from the broader conversation about industry standards. She continues to complain about not being paid as much as her male counterparts and about the physical demands of her roles, despite evidence that such expectations are commonplace and tied to industry norms rather than gender discrimination.