Renee Zellweger hits back after being accused of having plastic surgery

Actress Renee Zellweger has slammed reports she has undergone plastic surgery on her face in an open letter she published online.

The Bridget Jones star claimed she was forced to defend herself after various media outlets have speculated about her appearance over the last year.

Renee Zellweger | © PA Images

Posting an open letter to The Huffington Post, the 47-year-old referred to the story that reported the actress had undergone an eye lift back in 2014.

Her powerful essay read:

“The ‘eye surgery’ tabloid story itself did not matter, but it became the catalyst for my inclusion in subsequent legitimate news stories about self-acceptance and women succumbing to social pressure to look and age a certain way.

"Not that it’s anyone’s business, but I did not make a decision to alter my face and have surgery on my eyes. This fact is of no true importance to anyone at all, but that the possibility alone was discussed among respected journalists and became a public conversation is a disconcerting illustration of news/entertainment confusion and society’s fixation on physicality.

“It’s no secret a woman’s worth has historically been measured by her appearance. Although we have evolved to acknowledge the importance of female participation in determining the success of society, and take for granted that women are standard bearers in all realms of high profile position and influence, the double standard used to diminish our contributions remains, and is perpetuated by the negative conversation which enters our consciousness every day as snark entertainment.

"Too skinny, too fat, showing age, better as a brunette, cellulite thighs, facelift scandal, going bald, fat belly or bump? Ugly shoes, ugly feet, ugly smile, ugly hands, ugly dress, ugly laugh.

"The resulting message is problematic for younger generations and impressionable minds, and undoubtedly triggers myriad subsequent issues regarding conformity, prejudice, equality, self-acceptance, bullying and health." (Sic)

Renee Zellweger | © Getty Images

After posting the message, other female celebrities including Rebel Wilson and Maria Shriver showed their support for the actress.

Renee is set to star in the third instalment of the popular Bridget Jones’s films. Bridget Jones’ Diary is set to hit UK cinemas on 16th September 2016.

Check out the official trailer below:

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