Christina Applegate Defends Herself from Criticism over Her Face after 1st Award Show since MS Diagn

May 2024 · 5 minute read

Christina Applegate recently made a rare public appearance at the 2023 Critics' Choice Awards. The actress has largely stayed out of the limelight after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Ever since her diagnosis, Applegate has been working on her show, "Dead to Me," but she steered clear of award ceremonies.

The actress announced she would be attending the award show through a Twitter post in which she said she was looking forward to the ceremony. Applegate also noted that she was definitely feeling slightly antsy about attending since it's the first time she has gone to something as big as the CCAs since 2019.

True to her word, Applegate arrived at the CCAs, ready to make the most of the night. She looked breathtaking in an all-black suit, layered silver and diamond necklaces, and her trusty cane. The actress also had a surprising plus-one with her — her "rad" daughter, Sadie Grace LeNoble.

After Applegate messaged the commenter about their response to the article, the user remained adamant that MS hadn't influenced the actress' appearance.

Sadie Grace LeNoble and Christina Applegate at at Fairmont Century Plaza on January 15, 2023 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

It was the first time Applegate showed her daughter in public, and the mother-daughter-duo stepped onto the red carpet in complementary black suits and matching black Dr. Martens combat boots. Applegate took to Twitter following the award show, where she explained the Dr. Martens are some of the only shoes comfortable enough not to trigger her neuropathy.

How Did Applegate Bravely Defend Herself after the Award?

Unfortunately, individuals on the internet had derogatory commentary about Applegate's appearance after the award show. One commenter on an online article had a few things to say about Applegate's face, insinuating that the actress had gotten plastic surgery. Applegate decided to contact the internet user about their comments.

Applegate has been open and candid about her MS since 2021.

After Applegate messaged the commenter about their response to the article, the user remained adamant that MS hadn't influenced the actress' appearance. They even questioned whether it was genuinely Applegate speaking, claiming it wasn't the "Samantha Who?" star but a scammer. Applegate responded in a Twitter post:

"Sooooo I made the unfortunate decision to look at some comments on an article from people mag about me and my kids at the CCA. Of course I told her that it wasn't nice. This was her reply. What is wrong with people. By the way, I laughed."

Christina Applegate at the Hollywood Walk of Fame on November 14, 2022 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

Luckily the Hollywood veteran managed to laugh it off, and hordes of fans came to her defense, assuring her that they all admire how she has handled her illness and the ensuing backlash. Her followers praised her fortitude and efforts to be an excellent role model for her children. Many encouraged her to ignore the naysayers and sent their love, labeling her as a "warrior."

How Did Christina Announce Her MS Diagnosis on Her 50th Birthday?

Applegate has been open and candid about her MS since 2021. She boldly announced that she had the disease when she turned 50. The actress wrote a Tweet that wished all her followers and fellow people with MS well. She said she knew many people were enduring a lot of pain. She Tweeted:

"Yup. I turned 50 today. And I have MS. It's been a hard one. Sending so much love to all of you this day. Many are hurting today, and I am thinking of you. May we find that strength to lift our heads up. Mine currently is on my pillow. But I try."

Christina Applegate at The Broad Stage on May 02, 2019 in Santa Monica, California | Source: Getty Images

The actress revealed that she started feeling strange for a while, with slight symptoms steadily piling up, so she decided to see a doctor. At the time, she was still filming "Dead to Me," which meant her symptoms often flared while she was on set. Finally, she was diagnosed, and she started speaking openly about it.

Nonetheless, Applegate was determined to finish filming her show, so she powered through the increasing symptoms. She went to work and did what she had to do to end the show, but she admitted that it was the hardest thing she had ever done.

Lupita Sanchez Cornejo, David Faustino, Christina Applegate, Katey Sagal, Mitch O'Farrell, Linda Cardellini, and Liz Feldman on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on November 14, 2022 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

As they approached the show's end, Applegate had to process the fact that she would be living with MS for the rest of her life. During this time, she had to be taken to the set in a wheelchair while her symptoms became more painful. But the actress kept a brave face, and she remarked, "My humor shield keeps me okay."

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