In the lead-up to the release of The Old Guard 2 on Netflix, Charlize Theron’s career controversies return to public attention, shedding light on the complicated legacy of the celebrated actress. As fans anticipate her reprisal of the iconic role of Andy, it is worth examining how five major scandals have shaped Theron’s public persona and influenced ongoing discussions about celebrity, activism, and cultural identity.
Charlize Theron’s Complex Career and Anticipation for The Old Guard 2
Charlize Theron has solidified herself as a prominent figure in Hollywood, notable for fearless and impactful performances in films such as Monster, Mad Max: Fury Road, and Atomic Blonde, as well as popular TV series like Arrested Development. Her portrayal of Andromache of Scythia (Andy) in The Old Guard elevated her status in the action genre, blending tenacity with emotional nuance. Now, Theron is set to return as Andy in The Old Guard 2, debuting July 2, 2025, with Victoria Mahoney directing and a screenplay from Greg Rucka. The cast brings back favorites like KiKi Layne and Chiwetel Ejiofor, alongside newcomers including Henry Golding and Uma Thurman, who appears as the formidable antagonist Discord.
Despite her ongoing success, Theron’s rise has not been absent of turmoil. Throughout her professional journey, Theron has faced storms of public debate and media controversy. The following five incidents stand out for their enduring impact and for how they challenge perceptions of Theron as both a celebrity and activist.
1. FIFA World Cup Draw Stunt Sparks Backlash
In 2010, Charlize Theron created a stir during rehearsals for the FIFA World Cup draw in Cape Town, her home country of South Africa. Dating Irish actor Stuart Townsend at the time, Theron made an unscripted joke by pulling an Ireland ball instead of France’s. This quip referenced the infamous Thierry Henry handball that denied Ireland’s World Cup qualification—a controversy still fresh in many fans’ minds.
While intended as lighthearted, Theron’s move alarmed FIFA officials, who grew concerned that she might repeat the act during the globally televised broadcast. Critics argued the joke, however playful, risked undermining the integrity of a major sporting event. The reaction revealed the challenges celebrities face when blending humor with professionalism, especially on the world stage.
2. Parenting Decisions and Activism Ignite Heated Debate
Charlize Theron’s family life has attracted significant attention, especially since she adopted two children—a daughter in March 2012 and another in July 2015. As a vocal advocate for same-sex marriage, she once declared that she would not marry until marriage equality became legal in the United States. Her progressive stances have prompted criticism in some circles, but it was her parenting choices that attracted widespread scrutiny.
In 2016, Theron faced both media and public critique after her son Jackson, whom she adopted, was seen dressed as Elsa from Disney’s Frozen. The situation intensified in 2019, when Theron told the Daily Mail that Jackson, assigned male at birth, was actually transgender. This revelation led to polarized reactions, particularly among right-wing commentators who accused Theron of imposing her beliefs on her child and accused her of “grooming.” Detractors argued that a child so young could not grasp gender identity concepts, intensifying the backlash toward Theron’s parenting.
I thought she was a boy, too. Until she looked at me at 3 years old and said, ‘I am not a boy!’
—Charlize Theron, Actress and Activist
Theron’s decision to support Jackson and speak openly about the experience brought both support and condemnation. The controversy highlights the intersection between personal liberty and public perception, placing Theron in the center of a highly charged cultural debate about parenting and LGBTQ+ rights.
3. “Pretty People” Comments Trigger Industry Uproar
Theron’s comments about the impact of beauty on her career brought more controversy when, in an interview with British GQ, she claimed her attractive appearance was sometimes a professional obstacle. She asserted that casting decisions often favored “real” physical types over those deemed beautiful, sparking accusations that she was out of touch with the challenges faced by others.
The backlash was swift and strong, compelling Theron to clarify her intentions. At the premiere of The Huntsman: Winter’s War, she responded to the controversy in an interview:
What I was really trying to say was [that] people always ask me: ‘Why do you play so many characters that are deconstructed?’ and my point with that was, ‘How many characters really are there out there for a woman wearing a gown? You have to play real people. Context is everything, and if somebody doesn’t really get that or it doesn’t translate, people can really read that so wrongly.
—Charlize Theron, Actress and Producer
Despite highlighting the complexity of casting and the specificity of roles for women, Theron faced ongoing criticism from fans and commentators. Even after clarifying that her remarks were not intended as complaints or expressions of ingratitude, the episode illustrated the volatility of public opinion and the intense scrutiny actresses face when discussing identity and opportunity in entertainment.
4. Widespread Outcry Over Her “R*pe” Comment During Interview
Another significant scandal erupted in 2014 when Theron, in an interview with Sky News, was asked about Googling herself and compared the experience of media intrusion to feeling “raped.” The comment generated an immediate backlash, particularly from survivors of sexual violence and advocacy groups, who felt the analogy was insensitive and trivialized the severe trauma experienced by victims.
When pressed to clarify, Theron elaborated:
Well, you know when it comes to your son and your private life. Maybe that’s just me. Some people might relish all that stuff but there are certain things in my life that I think of as very sacred and I am very protective over them. I don’t always win that war but as long as I don’t have to see that stuff or read that stuff or hear that stuff then I can live with my head in a clear space, which is probably a lot healthier than living in that dark room.
—Charlize Theron, UN Messenger of Peace
Despite her attempts to provide context, many criticized Theron for minimizing the issue of sexual assault, especially given her advocacy work with the United Nations and involvement with the Cape Town Rape Crisis Center. Organizations such as the NSW Rape Crisis Centre voiced disappointment, arguing that such comments from high-profile figures could perpetuate misunderstanding about the gravity of sexual violence. The incident stands as one of her most scrutinized public missteps.
5. Afrikaans Language Remark Causes Fallout in Her Homeland
Theron, originally from South Africa, stirred controversy when she described Afrikaans, her first language, as a “dying” language during an appearance on the SmartLess podcast. Explaining that she had grown up speaking only Afrikaans and learned English at 19, Theron noted that the language was not widely spoken and implied it was of limited use. This assertion deeply offended many Afrikaans speakers, who felt that she was publicly distancing herself from her cultural roots.
Critics argued that Theron’s words were dismissive, especially given Afrikaans’ complex legacy as both a native tongue and a symbol tied to apartheid in South African history. Some defended her view based on the global decline of the language, while others insisted it was a betrayal of heritage and pride. Although Theron did not address this controversy further, the debate continues to influence perceptions of her at home and abroad.
Impact of Controversy on Theron’s Public Image and Anticipation for The Old Guard 2
Throughout decades in Hollywood, Charlize Theron’s career has endured major storms and fierce debates, largely because of her high public profile and strong opinions regarding social justice, parenting, language, and the entertainment industry itself. While detractors often cite these controversies as reasons for skepticism, supporters argue that her willingness to speak candidly reflects integrity and courage. As the premiere of The Old Guard 2 approaches, these incidents continue to shape how audiences understand Theron—both as a performer and a public figure.
The controversies discussed serve as a microcosm for broader challenges faced by globally recognized celebrities, particularly women who blend artistry with advocacy. Whether these moments will ultimately define or recede into the background of Theron’s story depends on the trajectory of her career, her ongoing activism, and the evolving attitudes of fans and the media alike.
