Actor Keanu Reeves had been trending on social media marketing after being photographed with a female folks are saying is “age-appropriate,” drawing commentary about sex equity in Hollywood.

“The Matrix” actor has historically held their dating life personal, but after he had been spotted holding arms with musician and philanthropist Alexandra give during the LAMCA Art + movie Gala on Saturday, rumors began using hold.

Reeves, 55, and Grant, 46, have actually formerly worked together as business lovers, collaborating on the adult picture book “Ode to Happiness” (2011) as well as the photography collection “Shadows” (2016).

Though neither Reeves nor Grant have actually confirmed their relationship, initial responses into the few had been positive. Reeves was trending on Twitter from Monday evening through Tuesday early morning with several praising the star for dating a female that is near to their age.

“In this home we love, support and respect Keanu Reeves and Alexandra give,” had written one Twitter individual, in a post that received almost 24,000 loves and much more than 5,000 retweets.

We don’t understand why I’m therefore delighted Keanu Reeves has a gf (who’s age appropriate no less). I don’t understand this guy really. But just what took place to him sucks and he deserves some joy.

All of us do. ????

— ??Imani Gandied Yams?? (@AngryBlackLady) November 5, 2019

needless to say Keanu posseses a girlfriend that is age-appropriate he could be a great Man https://t.co/Rnr3IdPzfG

— britt hates (@MissBrittHayes) November 5, 2019

Saw the pictures and thought that is legit Reeves ended up being dating Helen Mirren. That we additionally will have supported. pic.twitter.com/rYoC9nCLzZ

— Travon Complimentary (@Travon) 5, 2019 november

But despite eliciting cheery congratulations, the expected few can also be sparking a discussion in regards to the means ageism and sexism in Hollywood persist — with numerous commenting in the absurdity regarding the star trending for dating a female nine years his junior.

Keanu Reeves is trending because he’s made a decision to date a lady, musician Alexandra give, who’s within his generation.

She actually is 46 and Keanu is 55.

Moreover it states a whole lot about how exactly women can be addressed that therefore many individuals are stunned that a female over 40 would not dye her hair. pic.twitter.com/zHHo2GMzbx

— Yashar Ali ?? (@yashar) November 5, 2019

So today, we’re straight up praising Keanu Reeves (who I’m certain is wonderful, We have no opinion 1 way or t’other) for having an age girlfriend that is appropriatejust 9 years younger than him)COULD WE POSSIBLY SET THE PERSON BAR ANY LOWER?

Reverse the sexes & they’d be cougar & doll kid pic.twitter.com/o16FtI6w2n

— Dr Louise Raw (@LouiseRawAuthor) November 5, 2019

Sharon Marcus, a professor of English and literature that is comparative Columbia University as well as the writer of “The Drama of Celebrity” told NBC Information the discussion surrounding Reeves and Grant underscores the methods guys are held to less stringent standards than females.

“If the many years had been switched and give ended up being 55 as opposed to 46, individuals would differently view the situation,” Marcus said. “But now Keanu Reeves gets treated as a master and prince for dating a female avove the age of 25, because males have graded on a bend and therefore are praised if you are averagely decent.”

Marcus links the effusive praise over Reeves’ alleged relationship aided by the general general public comprehending that superstars — and especially celebrity men — can have whatever they need.

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“We are now living Find Out More in a culture that understands success in product terms and views ladies as assets,” Marcus stated. “When a high profile like Keanu Reeves is out with an adult girl who doesn’t color her locks, some individuals think he must certanly be granted A nobel prize that is feminist.”

Upon hearing about Reeves and Grant, Montana Miller, a co-employee teacher of pop tradition at Bowling Green State University, instantly looked at a design from “Inside Amy Schumer” called “Last F—able Day.” The sketch features Schumer, Tina Fey and Patricia Arquette celebrating Julia Louis Dreyfus’ final time being seen as a woman that is attractive Hollywood.

“Once women reach their 40s that are early they cross this threshold where they truly are no more regarded as f—able by the males in energy in Hollywood,” Miller told NBC News. “When I found out about Keanu’s gf, I was thinking of the design. This is just what individuals reactions are about; the eagerness to throw away and discard older ladies in Hollywood as unimportant.”

This really isn’t the time that is first was praised for his relationships with ladies. The star made headlines previously this year after having a tweet of him posing with females and significantly maybe not pressing their reduced backs or waists, went viral.

Marcus said that folks are becoming so used to a-listers abusing their energy that Reeves respecting a lady’s individual room becomes notable.

Though some may vary over whether Reeves is worthy of this praise that is effusive received, Marcus stated the responses to his so-called relationship speak to ongoing discussions of energy characteristics and relationships with younger lovers when you look at the #MeToo period.

the headlines cycle is really so shitty for females these days that term of Keanu Reeves dating a 46yo with grey hair has us blasting “the others continues to be unwritten” on the path to work

— Sara Schaefer (@saraschaefer1) 5, 2019 november

Final month, Dennis Quaid, 65, drew debate together with engagement to Laura Savoie, a 26-year-old doctoral pupil at the University of Texas. And Quaid is definately not the actor that is only dated younger females. Comedian Dane Cook, 47, has received criticism for dating a 19-year-old, as has star Leonardo DiCaprio, 44, for dating women that are multiple than 25.

While Miller believes it is probably “better for Keanu become dating someone 46 as opposed to 26,” she hesitates to condemn all Hollywood males whom date more youthful ladies.

“there is certainly truly a cult of youth in Hollywood, but individuals have the ability to date whoever they desire,” Miller stated.

Others have actually pointed out of the irony of Twitter users mocking Emma Watson for explaining by herself as “self-partnered” in the place of solitary in a profile with Uk Vogue, while simultaneously praising Reeves’ supposedly brand brand new relationship status.

“Emma Watson utilising the term ‘self partnering’ noises like somebody who is reframing thinking that is negative gain a kinder relationship to her self,” the comedian Sara Schaefer penned. “But we have to certainly tear her apart, can not let anybody get too cocky on Keanu Reeves is not Dating A 22 Old Bikini Model Day. year”