Ashley Judd Fires Back at Trolls, Explains Medical Reason She Looks Different

Judd is now firing back at what she calls “woman bashing,” while also opening up about her health.

She wrote on Facebook, “Healthy self-esteem. Good boundaries. Unshakable knowledge of self… These things are essential when I wake up & learn from caring friends that my appearance has been trending on Twitter. The misogynistic savages of both sexes have come out, as have plenty of folks who empathize and see it for what it is (woman bashing).”

Ashley also pointed out, “I find it a gendered way to distract from my political speech.”

Judd went on to explain she has been experiencing “siege migraines for over a year,” and she's not the only one. “We all either have them or know someone who does.”

She insisted, “We all lose control over the experience of our bodies on occasion and need grace when we do. You will have it from me when you do.”

Ashley details some of the treatments she has used, writing, “Have I had botox? It is a standard treatment for the ailment that I experience. 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 also explained that her neurologist pain specialist banned her from “anything but walking,” leading to “un-fun weight gain.”

She's finally been cleared to return to exercise, and she's excited. “It has been joyful to resume running, yoga, and vigorous hiking, and I am already benefiting from everything that comes with movement. I've made a date with my favorite half-marathon in early June."

Blasting the haters, she said, “What I know is that misogynists on Twitter have been slaughtering me compared to my pre-weight gain idealized self. My conventionally thin, athletic, 'pretty' AcroYoga body, and more slender face, is merely the flip side of the same patriarchal coin.”

She added, “For me, exercise and wellness are about freedom, vitality, and choice. Just as being of service to others, and participating in incredible adventures like keeping up with the bonobos in the rain forest of the Congo, and traveling the world with organizations that work to help women and girls thrive — who are fighting against gender and sexual-based violence. Not about pursuing ideals so that others may approve of me.”