In 2021, an innocent photo of actress Scarlett Johansson taken on the set of her upcoming film “Black Widow” went viral, but not for the reasons you might expect. The photo, which showed Johansson in a black jumpsuit with her hair slicked back, quickly became the subject of countless memes and online jokes.
How It All Started
The photo was originally shared on the official Marvel Studios Twitter account, with the caption “She’s back in black! Go behind the scenes of Marvel Studios’ #BlackWidow.” But it wasn’t long before Twitter users began turning the image into a meme, with captions like “When you realize it’s Monday tomorrow” and “When someone asks if you’re ready for the weekend.”
One of the most popular versions of the meme featured Johansson with the caption “Why do men great ’til they gotta be great?” a reference to the lyrics of Lizzo’s hit song “Truth Hurts.”
The Backlash
While some people found the memes funny, others took issue with the way Johansson was being objectified and sexualized in them. Many pointed out that if a male actor had been in the same photo, it likely wouldn’t have sparked the same kind of reaction.
One Twitter user wrote, “It’s like y’all have never seen an attractive woman before. Scarlett Johansson is a talented actress, not just a set of boobs.”
The Response
Johansson herself didn’t comment on the memes, but her co-star Florence Pugh came to her defense in an interview with ELLE magazine. “I think that’s what’s happening to Scarlett,” Pugh said. “People are so excited to see her in this film that basically they’re just Photoshopping her into situations where she’s not actually present, but it’s funny.”
Other celebrities also weighed in on the controversy. Comedian Kathy Griffin tweeted, “Scarlett Johansson is a great actress and deserves better than this cheap meme.” Actor Zach Braff added, “I love a good meme, but leave Scarlett Johansson alone.”
The Legacy
Despite the backlash, the Scarlett Johansson meme pic remains a memorable moment in internet history. It serves as a reminder of the power of social media and the way that even innocent photos can be turned into viral sensations.
As for Johansson, she’s likely moved on from the controversy and is focused on promoting “Black Widow,” which hits theaters in July 2021.
Comments from Social Media Users
“I think people need to chill. It’s just a silly meme.” – @jennyfromtheblock
“I can’t believe people are getting so worked up over this. It’s just a photo.” – @the_real_john_smith
“I’m so over the sexualization of women in Hollywood. It’s time for things to change.” – @feminist_power
“I don’t see what the big deal is. It’s just a funny meme.” – @meme_king_69
