Martina Navratilova criticizes 'misogynistic' op-ed targeting Taylor Swift

Martina Navratilova slams an op-ed calling Taylor Swift a ‘bad role model’ for being unmarried and childless at 34.

Tennis legend Martina Navratilova has publicly criticized a Newsweek op-ed by John Mac Ghlionn, which described Taylor Swift as a "bad role model" for being childless and unmarried at 34.

Navratilova, 67, shared an excerpt from the article where Ghlionn suggested that Swift's personal life choices were not worthy of imitation. “At 34, Swift remains unmarried and childless, a fact that some might argue is irrelevant to her status as a role model. But, I suggest, it’s crucial to consider what kind of example this sets for young girls,” Ghlionn wrote.

A massive pile of misogynistic bull💩💩💩. This guy should be ashamed of himself and I can’t believe he writes for Newsweek…and they printed it. I mean… https://t.co/SdqjYeg0NG

— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) June 30, 2024

In response, Navratilova re-tweeted Indian author Kiran Mandral, who labeled the op-ed as “barf inducing” and “vomit worthy,” before adding her own critique. “A massive pile of misogynistic bull💩💩💩,” Navratilova posted on X (formerly Twitter). “This guy should be ashamed of himself and I can’t believe he writes for Newsweek…and they printed it. I mean…”

The article sparked significant backlash on social media, with many users agreeing with Navratilova's sentiments. One commenter noted, “I look forward to follow-up articles commenting about the failure of Keanu Reeves, Charlize Theron, Diane Keaton, Leo DeCaprio [sic], Chris Evans, Jared Leto and Jon Hamm to be good role models by marrying and having children.” Navratilova replied, “Right? Misogynist AF!!! And btw- Taylor never claimed she was a role model, ASAIK. Also remember Charles Barkley’s comment years ago about role models? And generally speaking, athletes are more likely to be held out as role models than pop stars etc., for obvious reasons…”

Another user pointed out, “This would NEVER be written about a 30-something male celebrity who was unmarried and childless,” while a third joked, “Someone tell the author of that article the 1970s are on the phone & want him back.” Another commenter highlighted the irony, “The ultimate irony is her boyfriend Travis [Kelce] is the same age, unmarried & childless. Oh the irony.”

Swift and Kelce, both 34, began dating last summer and publicly confirmed their relationship in September 2023. Sources told Page Six that the couple could be engaged as soon as this summer.

Navratilova has been married to Russian model and “Real Housewives of Miami” star Julia Lemigova since 2014. The couple is considering adopting children together following Navratilova's successful battle with two forms of cancer last year. Lemigova is also a Taylor Swift fan and has purchased a dress identical to one worn by the Grammy-winning artist.