HeForShe: Emma Watson Enlists Tom Hiddleston

This week began with Emma Watson blazing an inspirational trail across social media, and regular media, as a speech she made in her capacity as a UN goodwill ambassador inviting men to join the fight for gender equality went viral. The actress was speaking to promote the #HeForShe campaign, an international project that is seeking to show men and boys the transformative power and possibilities of feminism. She stressed that the f-word “has too often become synonymous with man-hating” and that inclusion of men will change this archaic perception. Sounds like a worthy cause, doesn’t it? However, Watson’s amazing eloquence was threatened to become undone and overwhelmed as internet creeps threatened to leak naked photos of the actress for daring to stick her head above the parapet – thus proving the need for #HeForShe. Then things got weird as it was revealed the threats were actually a marketing stunt – see the Mashable story on the whole ‘scandal’ here. Yes, weird…

While the hypothetical misogynists were, or weren’t, trying to diminish Watson’s message, male celebrities joined in the feminist fight and posted messages on social media supporting Emma and the #HeForShe campaign. Tom Hiddleston was perhaps the most eloquent – his photo is above – telling Emma “you are impeccable & extraordinary. I stand with you. I believe in gender equality. #heforshe” #swoon

Here we round up the best of the rest.

Thank you @EmWatson , @kathryng , @GallagherMaw and Ma. #HeForShe. It’s the only way. #proudtobeafeminist pic.twitter.com/IHNHPihKdV

? Peter Gallagher (@petergallagher) September 25, 2014

Sandy Cohen lives!

Eddie Redmayne joins the list of fantastic men backing #HeForShe http://t.co/zUhrDT4nQk pic.twitter.com/StkWjGx3dN

? ELLEUK (@ELLEUK) September 26, 2014

I’m supporting @UN_Women and @EmWatson in #HeForShe As should you.. pic.twitter.com/RYtM4SKkqN

? Harry Styles. (@Harry_Styles) September 25, 2014

pic.twitter.com/Ai100HhxTT

? Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) September 24, 2014

I am a passionate supporter of gender equality. @EmWatson @HeForShe @UN_Women pic.twitter.com/IpudHsNpu3

? Douglas Booth (@DouglasBooth) September 20, 2014

Dem cheekbones care about your rights.

What do you make of the campaign?

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