Mike Huckabee Criticizes Natalie Portman's Pregnancy

            Natalie Portman has had little time to celebrate her Oscar win for Best Actress with the recent media attention aimed at former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee’s public criticism over the star. Expecting her first child with Black Swan co-star and now fiancé, Benjamin Millepeid, Portman thanked him, “for the most wonderful gift,” during her acceptance speech. Huckabee found this statement problematic, relating her “thanks” and current unwed pregnancy to glamorizing single motherhood. He relayed his feelings in an interview with radio host Michael Medved on Monday, saying “People see a Natalie Portman who boasts, ‘we’re not married but we're having these children and they're doing just fine.’ I think it gives a distorted image. It's unfortunate that we glorify and glamorize the idea of out-of- wedlock children."’

            Calling her pregnancy “troubling”, Huckabee continued arguing that although Portman may have the resources to support such a lifestyle of single parenting, many do not. With Huckabee possibly becoming a 2012 Presidential candidate, speculation has emerged over his attention-getting actions. I believe that such a public outburst which targets a public figure that has no relation to politics is unnecessary, and could cause damage towards his campaign. His actions can be viewed as a desperate attempt to increase his social recognition. Portman has yet to comment on the judgments made against her by Huckabee, which may be best in order to not further fuel the matter.

Kim Kardashian Look-A-Like Causes Trouble

      Kim Kardashian’s recent association to Old Navy’s latest commercial has caused an immense amount of public speculation surrounding the ad. The new television promo features Melissa Molinaro, a young and upcoming singer-actress, whose strong resemblance to Kim Kardashian has left many viewers confusing the two. A large amount of attention was brought to the matter this past Wednesday when ABC’s hit day time talk show, “The View”, dedicated a segment of their show to ask viewers their thoughts on the commercial. The identity mix up has generated questions from the media and public surrounding Old Navy’s objective of starring Molinaro as the lead in the campaign, and whether or not it constitutes issues of false identity.

      If not addressed adequately, this matter carries the potential to cause damage to Old Navy’s image, as well as Molinaro’s. While Old Navy has yet to release a statement addressing the topic, Molinaro has responded in a recent interview with E! News. She claimed that she is “flattered” by all the comparisons, but insisted that the campaign did not seek “Kim Kardashian look-alikes." She verified her statements by reading her copy of Old Navy’s casting letter to reporters. Furthermore, the singer addressed rumors circulating Kim Kardashian’s dismay over the ad stating, “"Kim, I think you're a beautiful woman, an amazing business woman, and it would be nice to meet you someday! I hope you don't think all this is weird." By responding to the growing media hype quickly, I believe Molinaro is the only voice needed to effectively handle and subdue the issue for all parties involved.