Paulina Porizkova Confronts Nude-Shaming: Age, Objectification, and Empowerment

A stirring reflection on reclaiming sensuality and dignity later in life.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 26, 2025

A stirring reflection on reclaiming sensuality and dignity later in life.

Paulina Porizkova, one of the most iconic supermodels of the 1980s and 1990s, has never shied away from sharing her honest views and experiences with her millions of followers. At 57, she remains a candid advocate for self-acceptance and challenges cultural taboos surrounding aging, sensuality, and the representation of women’s bodies on social media. A recent incident on Instagram, where Porizkova posted a revealing photograph and faced a wave of criticism, has reignited important conversations around body-shaming, ageism, and the objectification of women—especially older women.

Setting the Scene: Viral Nude Photo and Public Backlash

Porizkova’s Instagram feed is a celebration of bodies in all phases of life—but her openness also places her in the crosshairs of social media scrutiny. After posting a topless photo to welcome the new year, accompanied by the words, “I have nothing to hide and am finally comfortable in my own skin,” she received a mixed response. While many fans praised her confidence, one comment stood out for its negative tone: the follower accused Porizkova of “just contributing to the objectification of women,” dismissing her photo as “really not that groundbreaking.”

Porizkova highlighted this comment in a new Instagram post, initiating a much-needed debate on women’s autonomy over their own bodies.
Her response was both introspective and critical, acknowledging layers of truth in the accusation while pointing to broader societal issues.

Analyzing the Criticism: Objectification and Double Standards

Porizkova’s nuanced reply did not simply reject the comment but explored its implications. She admitted, “This comment is sadly true, even if somewhat misdirected.” She explained that photos of herself in bikinis or nude receive vastly more attention on social media than any other type of post. However, she also contextualized the objectification women face by contrasting it with how society treats men’s self-expression:

Bikini or nude shots of women, especially older women, draw attention—and controversy.
Porizkova noted that men, when posting bare-chested images or celebrating their bodies, are rarely criticized or accused of seeking attention.

Porizkova posed an essential question: why is a sexy photo of a young, inexperienced woman seen as normal, while the same for a mature, knowledgeable woman is treated as a “desperate plea for attention”?

The Patriarchal Lens: Ageism and Women’s Power

According to Porizkova, society’s discomfort with older women expressing sensuality is a product of patriarchal norms. She wrote, “A bikini shot or a nude of me gets far more traffic on social media than any other kind of photo. It’s also true that men do not post themselves in their undies to declare how brave they are to age.” She further elaborated:

The “desirability factor” is tied to age in gender-specific ways: women supposedly lose value as they age, while men gain power and desirability.
Being desirable is a form of power, one that is policed and stripped from women as they age.

She critiqued the objectifying language frequently directed at women—comparing the way people describe a model’s body to how one might describe livestock. “Describing a woman as a ‘5’10, 120-lb. super model’ is objectification. It’s describing a woman as livestock, akin to ‘a 67.3″ 1200-lb. Holstein cow.'”

Social Taboos: Sensuality Versus Wisdom in Older Women

According to Porizkova, society allows older women qualities like wisdom, humor, or patience, but actively discourages expressions of sensuality or sexiness. This double standard is rooted in deep-seated taboos that dictate what is acceptable behavior for women as they age. Porizkova urged her audience to recognize and reject these constraints, insisting that mature women have every right to celebrate their bodies and sexuality.

Her advocacy is not new—in a previous post from 2021, she addressed a commenter who accused her of focusing “too much on herself and her looks,” challenging the belief that older women ought to be invisible or modest about their physicality.

Quote Table: Porizkova’s Powerful Words

Topic	Quote
On Objectification	“Describing a woman as a ‘5’10, 120-lb. super model’ is objectification. It’s describing a woman as livestock.”
On Double Standards	“Men do not post themselves in their undies to declare how brave they are to age.”
On Social Taboo	“An older woman is allowed wisdom, humor, patience—but not sensuality. Not sexiness.”
On Self-Celebration	“Choosing to pose—dressed or undressed—for a painting, a sculpture, or a photo is celebration of the physical self.”

Fan Reactions: Support and Solidarity

The controversy prompted an outpouring of support from followers, many of whom echoed Porizkova’s views and shared their own experiences. The comments section became a forum for older women to voice frustrations with ageist and sexist standards, with many thanking Porizkova for her courage and honesty. Some notable points:

Fans described her as “THE most beautiful model of them all.”
Many agreed that platforms like Instagram hold women—especially older women—to harsher standards than men.
Supporters praised Porizkova for challenging taboos and inspiring others to embrace their bodies.

The #OldandUgly Movement: Turning Negativity Into Empowerment

This incident wasn’t the first time Porizkova has used criticism as a catalyst for positive change. Months prior, another internet troll told her she was “too old and ugly” to post bikini photos. Instead of retreating, Porizkova responded by encouraging women to share their own bikini photos in solidarity, sparking the widespread #oldandugly movement. Thousands of women—including celebrity Lisa Rinna—joined in, using social media to upend ageist stereotypes.

Social Media Censorship and Ownership of Self-Image

Porizkova’s battle is not just with individual haters—it’s with platforms themselves. On several occasions, Instagram has removed her intimate photos, highlighting inconsistencies and possible double standards in its content policies. Porizkova explicitly called out Instagram for deleting a photo of her with her boyfriend, Jeff Greenstein, arguing that older women’s sexual expression is treated as a “social taboo.” Instagram eventually reinstated the photo after public backlash, but the episode brought attention to the ongoing debate around censorship, community guidelines, and gender bias.

The Power and Politics of Being Visible

Paulina Porizkova believes that visibility for older women is an act of defiance and celebration. By sharing her body in a way that feels authentic to her, she seeks not only to affirm her own self-worth but to inspire others to do the same. Her argument is clear: the presence and sensuality of older women challenges cultural expectations and benefits everyone. She encourages women to take ownership of their bodies and stories, regardless of age:

Self-expression matters at every age.
Visibility is a form of activism.
Women should never feel pressured to conform or hide their bodies due to arbitrary age or beauty standards.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Why does Paulina Porizkova post nude or bikini photos on Instagram?

A: Porizkova shares nude and bikini photos to celebrate her body, confront ageist and sexist norms, and advocate for self-acceptance among women of all ages. Her posts aim to challenge taboos surrounding mature women’s sensuality and encourage others to embrace their physical selves.

Q: How has social media responded to her photos?

A: While many fans express support, Porizkova regularly faces negative comments and shaming, often rooted in ageism and double standards. She uses criticism as an opportunity to educate and inspire, fostering positive discussions around body-positivity and self-expression.

Q: What is the #oldandugly movement?

A: The #oldandugly movement began when Porizkova clapped back against a troll who called her “too old and ugly” to post bikini photos. Thousands of women joined her in posting their own bikini shots, turning an insult into a powerful symbol of empowerment and resistance against ageism.

Q: What are Porizkova’s views on objectification?

A: Porizkova believes true objectification arises when women are valued solely for physical attributes rather than their humanity or agency. She argues that a woman should be free to use her body as she sees fit, and that negative comments often reinforce the very objectification they critique.

Q: Has Instagram ever removed her photos?

A: Yes, Instagram has removed some of Porizkova’s more intimate photos, such as one with her boyfriend. She’s spoken out about these removals, highlighting inconsistencies and perceived gender biases in the platform’s enforcement of guidelines.

Bulleted Highlights: Lessons From Paulina Porizkova

Ageism and Double Standards: Older women are discouraged from displaying their bodies, while men face fewer taboos around self-exposure.
Celebration vs. Objectification: Porizkova distinguishes between celebrating her body and being objectified, stressing the importance of agency.
Empowerment Through Visibility: Individual acts of self-expression can spark widespread movements for social change.
Fan Support: Community solidarity is crucial for combating shaming and negative stereotypes.
Fighting Social Taboo: Advocacy for mature women’s sensuality challenges patriarchal norms and opens space for diverse forms of beauty.

Conclusion: Toward a New Narrative for Women’s Bodies

Porizkova’s willingness to confront and reframe negativity has turned her Instagram feed into a platform for cultural critique and empowerment. Her bold photos—and even bolder words—invite women of all ages to reconsider societal expectations and embrace pleasure, pride, and visibility at every stage of life. By challenging both individual critics and systemic norms, she fosters an environment where celebration of the self is not only permitted but applauded.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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