SI LifeStyle

Gabrielle Union Has a Message for Haters Who Think She Is Too ‘Old’ to Wear Revealing Swimsuits

The actress articulated what it’s like to age in Hollywood as a public figure.

Ananya Panchal

Gabrielle Union.

Gabrielle Union.

Gabrielle Union won’t let anyone tell her what she can (and can’t) wear. The actress recently appeared on an episode of the Who What Wear with Hillary Kerr podcast and clapped back at internet trolls who often shame her for her social media content, which regularly consists of skimpy bikini pics.

“Somebody said, ‘You’re old enough to be somebody’s grandma, why are you still in, like wearing swimsuits?’ the 50-year-old recalled. “I’m like, ‘First of all, they’re not just swimsuits. They are thongs. And you’re gonna see these cheeks until my ass literally falls off, and I might just wear a bikini in the casket.’”

Union, who is married to former NBA player Dwyane Wade, shared a powerful message about not letting your age dictate your style. The Bring It On star has been in the spotlight for years and is no stranger to hearing unsolicited opinions as a result of being a public figure.

“At 35, they start treating you like you’ve got osteoporosis. You start becoming invisible and it’s a weird, empty feeling to feel like you’re disappearing in front of your own eyes,” the Welcome to the Party author added about aging in Hollywood. “You start taking on the same attitude as society that believes that you lack value. We need to boldly take up space and boldly claim and acknowledge our own beauty in all that we do, instead of waiting. Claim you. You love you more than anybody else loves you.”

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Ananya Panchal
ANANYA PANCHAL

Ananya Panchal is a writer on the Lifestyle and Trending News team for SI Swimsuit, where she covers fashion, beauty, pop culture and the internet’s favorite personalities and trends. She joined the brand in 2022 after roles at Bustle, the San Francisco Chronicle and the TODAY Show. Panchal loves to write about fashion in all its forms—from standout runway moments and evolving street style to the best accessories to elevate each season’s wardrobe (she rarely goes anywhere without a stack of jewelry and a coffee in hand). A self-proclaimed beauty fanatic, she’s always on the hunt for must-have products and loves breaking down viral trends. Her favorite series at the moment is spotlighting female founders and the stories behind the brands they’ve built—especially those shaping the future of fashion, wellness and tech. She is based between New York City and San Francisco and, when she’s not writing, can be found rewatching One Tree Hill, playing sudoku, trying new restaurants or ranking her favorite Disney Channel Original Movies. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and journalism with a minor in criminal justice from Boston University.

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