It’s seemingly inevitable that every time Ashley Judd trends, the conversation about her appearance resurfaces. In 2012, she penned a stinging op-ed on The Daily Beast bashing the media for concocting fake stories about her face. The outlet republished the article in 2020 following revitalized interest in Ashley’s face. 

In April 2022, Ashley gave an emotional speech during her mother’s induction into the Country Hall of Fame a day after she passed away. “I’m sorry that she couldn’t hang on until today,” a tearful Ashley said during a special day for the Judd family.

As Ashley Judd’s face has become a trending topic, we attempt to shed more light on the reasons behind her appearance. 

Ashley Judd’s face changed due to the medications she takes to combat migraines

In February 2020, Ashley Judd opened up about the effects of medication and Botox on her appearance. Judd talked about receiving regular Botox injections to combat ‘siege migraines.’

According to the Mayo Clinic, the FDA has approved Botox as a treatment for head migraines. Ashley described Botox as a ‘standard treatment’ for her ailment. She continued:

“My union insurance pays for thirty-one injections every twelve weeks. (Some friends suggested that I not post this medical fact, because it can be excerpted and used against me, but I think it’s honest and real and is a public health message. Shame on anyone who distorts my words).”

Judd added that she couldn’t exercise as she battled a migraine for nearly five months, leading to unwanted weight gain. “What I know is that misogynists on Twitter have been slaughtering me compared to my pre-weight gain idealized self,” she wrote. Judd added:

“Those of you who are talking about my female appearance, making assessments about my worth and desirability are basing your opinions on wholly gendered norms. The good news for my empowered self is I don’t take compliments any more seriously than I do slurs.”

Amongst the nasty Twitter comments about Ashley’s appearance were eye-opening conversations about the effects of medication on people’s weight. Most people linked Prednisone – a drug used to combat various conditions – to unwanted weight gain. 

Author and musician Scott Dworkin wrote on Twitter that Prednisone gave him a ‘puffy face’ but helped combat a severe stomach ailment. Scott wrote:

“After being released from the hospital in 2008 due to a serious stomach illness, I was put on Prednisone. It gave me a puffy face, as you can see below. But without the Prednisone, I wouldn’t have even been working, let alone standing, with Obama. Leave Ashley Judd alone.”

Judd perceives the nasty comments about her face as misogynistic attacks

Every time Ashley speaks about the unwanted attention her appearance receives, the word ‘misogyny’ appears a lot. To her, the comments demonstrate prejudice against women ingrained in society. 

In her 2012 piece on The Daily Beast, Judd criticized the media for refusing to request for her input when writing stories about her. She identified patriarchy as the reason behind the false conclusions about her appearance. Ashley wrote:

“If this conversation about me is going to be had, I will do my part to insist that it is a feminist one, because it has been misogynistic from the start. The insanity has to stop, because as focused on me as it appears to have been, it is about all girls and women.”

Judd has been on the receiving end of vile comments but doesn’t mind speaking up about her appearance. The conversation about her appearance has increased awareness about the potential side effects of life-saving drugs like Prednisone. 

Some netizens will always post hurtful comments, but Judd wants people to speak out regardless. She wrote on Facebook:

“Speak up anyway. The slings and arrows will come, but your voice and the body from which it comes is beautiful, courageous, powerful, and necessary.”

It’s unclear whether Ashley will address the latest prying and prodding into her life.