Jennifer Coolidge Stuns in Elegant Black Gown at 2025 Emmys Amid Body-Shaming Backlash

She swept onto the red carpet with the poise of a screen legend, but the glitz and glamour of the Emmy Awards quickly turned into an online battleground.

Jennifer Coolidge turned heads on the red carpet in Los Angeles, commanding attention in a show-stopping black gown that oozed old Hollywood grandeur. But while many celebrated her dazzling look, others fixated on her figure, sparking a wave of body-shaming comments online.

A Gown Worthy of a Goddess

The "White Lotus" star arrived at the Peacock Theater for the 2025 Emmy Awards on Sunday, September 14, looking every inch the screen siren. Her off-the-shoulder gown, complete with ruffled detailing and sweeping gloves, brought a dramatic edge to the evening.

Meanwhile, her signature blonde locks were swept into a chic updo, with soft tendrils left loose to frame her face in glamorous waves. Posing confidently for cameras, the actress radiated the kind of effortless star power that has made her a fan favorite for decades.

Cruel Jabs Spark a Wave of Fierce Defenses

As her photos were shared online, some critics cruelly speculated about her appearance, only for her supporters to rally to her defense. One user bluntly remarked, "Wow, look at that beer belly." Another went so far as to speculate, "Definitely pregnant."

But loyal supporters came swinging. Someone countered firmly, "Don't be hateful. She's awesome. BEAUTIFUL!!!!!" Others were captivated by her style. A fan gushed, "OMG Jen! I adore you! Stunning dress!" while another chimed in, "Absolutely gorgeous 😍."

The admiration didn’t stop there. One comment read, "Love her so much looking fabulous 🙌🙌🙌❤️," and another praised, "‼️Absolutely astonishing💯." Another viewer celebrated her authenticity, writing, "Yes! Finally someone that's real, and not full of plastic! Love her, and it just thrills me to see her on the Red Carpet! ❤️"

One supporter analyzed Hollywood's narrow beauty standards, "Hollywood is screwed up..Not everyone has to be a size 0. You can be just as beautiful if your [sic] a 10 or 12 or whatever."

Another person urged, "Stop talking about her body. She’s awesome and a very giftet [sic] actress." And in perhaps the most passionate defense, a fan highlighted, "She's a gorgeous, talented, and successful woman in her 60s and booking jobs all over Hollywood. Some people still insist on having a [expletive] opinion about her body. Down with the [expletive] patriarchy 🔥"

Coolidge wasn't just a dazzling presence on the red carpet; she also took to the stage as a presenter at the Primetime Emmy Awards. The actress, who scooped up an Emmy in 2023 for her role in "The White Lotus," couldn't resist slipping in a few cheeky one-liners during her moment in the spotlight.

Poking fun at Hollywood's current obsession with weight loss drugs, she quipped that she and "The Crown" star Elizabeth Debicki share an "Ozempic dealer." Coolidge then hilariously added that Debicki's version of the drug seemed to be working a little better than hers.

In true Coolidge fashion, she kept the humor rolling, even joking that her big Emmy win might have been the "worst thing" to happen to her. She claimed it got her kicked out of a group chat she once shared with some of her fellow nominees.

Pandemic Pounds Nearly Cost Her "White Lotus" Role

When it comes to body image, Coolidge has been open about her struggles with body weight. She admitted that she almost passed on the role that would later define her career. When "The White Lotus" was offered to her, she considered turning it down because she felt self-conscious about the pounds she had gained during the pandemic.

The actress recalled putting on 30 to 40 pounds while in lockdown, indulging in comfort foods like vegan pizza, sometimes consuming several in a single day. "I thought we were all going to die, I really did, so I was just eating myself to death," she noted.

Hence, the actress worried that stepping in front of the camera at that time would expose her insecurities. At one point, Jennifer Coolidge even thought of fabricating an excuse to avoid the project altogether. However, a close friend convinced her to take the opportunity. She recalled the friend saying, "These opportunities don’t come around, you idiot!"

Looking back, the actress is grateful she didn't sabotage herself. Accepting the part of Tanya McQuoid proved to be a turning point, with the acclaimed HBO series earning her critical praise, industry awards, and a resurgence in her career.

Facing the Realities of Aging with Her Trademark Humor

Coolidge has also touched on aging, admitting it's a reality no one can escape. The actress has acknowledged that the process can feel harsh at times, though she often lightens the subject with playful quips. Instead of beauty fads, she joked that the best solution is simply wearing Halloween masks.

The actress also doesn't shy away from poking fun at the tricks behind her red carpet looks. While her glamorous appearances may dazzle on stage and screen, Coolidge has confessed that her everyday life is far less polished.

Away from the spotlight, the "Legally Blonde" star favors comfort and simplicity, finding solace in one consistent self-care ritual: long, relaxing baths.