Gwyneth Paltrow Defending Her New Web Site

Gwyneth Paltrow Defending Her New Web Site, Which is Facing Criticisms

Written by: Karen Benardello


Academy Award-winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow, who decided to undergo a new venture with her lifestyle Web site Goop.com, is now facing criticism from numerous critics over its relevance. The backlash comes just days after The New York Times published an article questioning why the site is important and attacking its perceived omniscient tone.

Paltrow fired back, telling PEOPLE Wednesday night that "I think the people who are criticizing it or criticizing the idea of it, don't really get it, because if they did, they would like it." Coincidently, she defended the site while hosting a benefit for Bent On Learning, a non-profit organization which arranges yoga and meditation classes in New York City's public schools.

The actress also defended herself by saying she believes some of the criticisms come from the fact that she's doing something new and different. "I think that people like people to stay in their 'box' – they like people to stay how they are comfortable seeing them."

But the Times article stated that "many critics find the enterprise fatuous and a bit puzzling," including one writer from Toronto's The Globe and Mail, who asked "Why is it called Goop? Perhaps 'Any Old Load of Rubbish' and 'Learn From Me, Ungrateful Peasant' were both taken."

In response, Paltrow told PEOPLE: "There's nothing incendiary about it. I find it really interesting because it's a harmless [news]letter that goes out each week." She also said she decided to launch the Web site "because I felt like I had a lot of really useful information that I was privileged enough to get, because I have this amazing, super, fortunate life."

The Times article also questioned why she is suddenly giving lifestyle, dieting and fitness tips. Paltrow said she decided to share her wisdom with the world because her friends call her all the time to ask where they should go and what they should do. "...I thought, you know maybe some other people would be interested in it as well, so I started it, and it's doing great," Paltrow added.