Bradley Whitford calls Kylie Jenner's 'The Handmaid's Tale'-themed party 'tacky'
If you’re thinking of hosting a Handmaid’s Tale-themed party maybe don’t invite Bradley Whitford.
The actor, who stars as Joseph Lawrence in the dystopian series, has criticised Kylie Jenner for organising exactly that for her best friend’s birthday.
The reality star had kitted out her house in the style of Gilead, the name of the oppressive theocracy, and had red capes and white hats for them to wear during the birthday banquet.
Whitford was asked about it during an interview on CBS' The Talk on Tuesday, and he seemed unimpressed.
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“I don't know... seems a little tacky,” the actor said before suggesting that the Handmaid’s costume may well have turned into something more rebellious.
“You know, that costume is so kind of iconic,” he explained, “and it’s interesting how it’s changed from initially a sort of symbol of oppression – to now, as the show is moving ahead to a symbol of resistance.”
The red and white outfit has certainly made an impact on protest culture with more and more women wearing a version while marching for women’s rights.
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The Handmaid's Tale costume, first envisioned in Margaret Atwood's 1985 novel of the same name, is the uniform of women forced into surrogacy but has been spotted at protests across the world, from Argentina to Ireland, and become an image of rebellion against the oppression of women.
From the protest against Donald Trump’s UK visit to the pro-choice rallies during Ireland’s successful referendum, the red cloak and white bonnet have stood out as a feminist beacon.
Not all efforts to capitalise on its costume recognition have been approved of; last September, an online retailer stopped selling a sexy Halloween version of the outfit because of a widespread social media backlash.
We're now beyond satire. "Sexy" Handmaid's Tale outfit. There's nothing like fighting the patriarchy by sexualising a show about misogyny and rape. ht @bustle pic.twitter.com/aTaAsc0Zhf
— Zoe Margolis (@girlonetrack) September 20, 2018
The website of lingerie retailer Yandy had featured a model wearing a skimpy "Brave Red Maiden Costume," with a much shorter hemline than what the handmaids wear in the TV show.
Jenner has also received criticism for seemingly trivialising the series.
You know how the people who live in the capitol of the Hunger Games series just looooovvee watching the hunger games? That is the actual mood of Kylie Jenner saying the Handmaid’s Tale is her “favorite show” 😤😤😤🤬🤬🤬
— Vanessa K (@vanosaurusrex12) June 9, 2019
Kylie Jenner deadass threw a handmaid’s tale themed party.... in 2019.... does she even know what it’s about???
— Ragaa (@Itsragaa) June 9, 2019
Kylie Jenner throwing her friend a Handmaid’s Tale themed birthday party complete with robes, Gilead flags, “Praised be” vodka and “Under his eye” tequila is so tone deaf, at any time, but especially when women’s rights and autonomy are particularly under attack. Disheartening.
— Ana María (@anamgom) June 9, 2019
Though some people have pointed out that plenty of people host parties based on their favourite TV shows and films.
Everyone's freaking out about the Kylie Jenner Handmaid thing. It really isn't that deep. Show or movie themed parties are thrown all the time. Throwing an Avenger's Endgame themed party doesn't mean I support genocide or that I don't "understand the concept". It's just a theme.
— ANA 🦄 🇺🇸 (@anabnny) June 10, 2019
Season 3 of The Handmaid’s Tale airs Sunday nights at 9pm on Channel 4.