Gwyneth-bashing has become something of a sport in recent years, with naysayers irked by her wholesome aesthetic, elitist merchandise and outlandish statements about wellness, so it’s no surprise that her recent Goop summit in New York attracted much eye-rolling online (not least for the ticket prices, which were between $650 - $2000).
The event, which took place at South Street Seaport, was a sort of convention of wellness experts, each with their own stand offering everything from facial cupping to antioxidant shots. There was also a ‘hygge room’, a 10-hour meditation, tarot readings and anti-ageing LED face masks.
While some of the speakers were controversial (Dr Kelly Brogan once claimed that it is ‘disputable’ that HIV leads to AIDS, while medium Laura Lynn Jackson said that death didn’t exist…), also in attendance were some of Gwyneth’s A-list friends, including Drew Barrymore, Chelsea Handler, Gillian Flynn and Laura Linney, who spoke on a panel about what it means to be a woman now in the context of #MeToo.
Speaking to W Magazine, Linney defended Paltrow, saying: ‘Gwyneth gets a lot of heat for this, which is unfair. She’s doing a great thing for a lot of people, and doesn’t deserve to be bashed for it. You can take what you want from it, and leave what you don’t.’
Since Paltrow set up Goop 10 years ago, she's seen it grow into a lifestyle behemoth, incorporating e-commerce, her own range of beauty products and clothing, plus events. She is reportedly in conversations at the moment about launching a wellness-themed TV show, which would air at the end of this year.