Megan Fox, 35, has made it clear she’s no longer tolerating her detractors. In a revealing interview with InStyle, published on July 7, the prominent Hollywood figure delved deep into the constant barrage of criticism she receives. A significant portion of this backlash stems from her public appearances with boyfriend Machine Gun Kelly (real name Colson Baker), 31, specifically when she’s spotted without her three sons: Noah Shannon Green, 8, Bodhi Ransom Green, 7, and Journey River Green, 4. These children are from her previous marriage to actor Brian Austin Green. Fox articulated the weight of this judgment, describing how frequently she’s confronted with intrusive questions like, “Where are your kids?” whenever she’s seen enjoying time with her musician beau. This line of questioning, she argues, underscores a societal expectation that mothers should be perpetually tethered to their children, a standard rarely, if ever, applied to celebrity fathers.

Challenging the pervasive double standards head-on, Megan Fox posed a poignant rhetorical question to her interviewer: “Do you ask their dad when he’s out?” She continued, highlighting the stark contrast in societal expectations: “No, because you don’t expect a dad to be with the kids all the time, but I’m supposed to not be seen and be at home with my kids.” This statement powerfully articulates the deeply ingrained gender bias that dictates how mothers, particularly those in the public eye, are perceived versus their male counterparts. Since her split from Brian Austin Green, 47, Megan and Brian have successfully navigated the complexities of co-parenting their three sons. Both have moved forward in their personal lives, pursuing new relationships. Megan has found an inseparable bond with MGK, whom she initially met on the set of the 2021 film Midnight in the Switchgrass, while Brian is currently dating Dancing with the Stars professional dancer Sharna Burgess. Fox emphasized the functional reality of their family arrangement: “They have another parent. I have to leave and sometimes I don’t want them photographed and they don’t come with me.” She expressed genuine astonishment at the persistence of such outdated viewpoints. “This whole year I’ve been very surprised by how archaic some of the mindsets still are in some people.” Her comments underscore the broader conversation about modern parenting, personal boundaries, and the right of mothers to have individual lives beyond their maternal roles, free from unwarranted judgment.

Beyond the scrutiny of her parenting choices, Megan Fox’s relationship with Machine Gun Kelly has also been heavily scrutinized due to their four-year age difference. For Fox, this public preoccupation with the age gap serves as yet another glaring example of the misogynistic attitudes she consistently confronts. “The fact that he’s four years younger than me, and people want to act like I’m dating a younger man. He’s 31, and I’m 35,” she explained to InStyle, clearly frustrated by the double standard. She further elaborated, acknowledging some aspects of his persona, “Granted, he’s lived like he’s 19 his whole life, but he isn’t 19.” The actress then drew a powerful comparison, exposing the inherent sexism: “No one would blink twice if George Clooney was dating someone four years younger. Four years? Go f**k yourself. We would have been in high school together. That’s so ridiculous that women are treated that way.” Her passionate remarks highlight a pervasive cultural bias where older men dating younger women is often celebrated or ignored, while the reverse is frequently met with derision, judgment, and the implication that the woman is somehow predatory or seeking to relive her youth. This discrepancy speaks volumes about the entrenched societal norms that attempt to dictate female autonomy in relationships, even in the 21st century.

In a heartwarming counterpoint to the negative commentary, Machine Gun Kelly himself was interviewed by InStyle, and his admiration for the Jennifer’s Body actress was palpable and undeniable. He spoke with genuine affection and profound respect, describing Megan in superlatives. “She is unlike any person I have ever met in my life,” the acclaimed singer and rapper declared, his words underscoring the unique and powerful connection they share. His sentiments weren’t just about superficial attraction; they delved deeper into the emotional and spiritual bond they’ve cultivated. “I just want people to understand this is real. I don’t think people get the opportunity to believe in real, great love, and that’s what we have together,” he added. This heartfelt testimony from MGK offers a glimpse into the authentic nature of their relationship, emphasizing that beyond the headlines and public judgment, there exists a profound and genuine connection. His statements serve as a powerful affirmation of their bond, reminding onlookers that true love often defies conventional expectations and societal norms.

Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly’s romance first sparked in early 2020, burgeoning from their professional collaboration on the set of their mystery crime film, Midnight in the Switchgrass. Their chemistry was immediately evident, leading to Fox’s memorable appearance in the musician’s music video for “Bloody Valentine” in May of that year, a role that further fueled speculation about their burgeoning relationship. At this time, Megan was still legally married to Brian Austin Green. However, as photos of Megan and MGK began to circulate publicly, the Beverly Hills, 90210 star confirmed that he and Megan had actually split privately at the close of 2019, after a decade of marriage. This revelation provided context for Megan’s new relationship, clarifying that her romance with MGK began after the effective end of her marriage. Megan officially formalized the separation by filing for divorce in November 2020, setting the stage for both her and Brian to fully embrace their new chapters. Their journey, though public and at times controversial, highlights the complexities of celebrity relationships and the personal growth that often accompanies significant life changes.

Despite the public narrative surrounding their split, all indications suggest that relations between Megan Fox and Brian Austin Green remain amicable and focused on their children. In a gesture that garnered widespread praise, Megan notably showed genuine support for Brian’s new romance with Sharna Burgess, 36. This supportive stance was publicly demonstrated through a July 6 Instagram comment. After Brian shared a sweet photograph of himself and Sharna kissing during a trip to Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom, Megan took to the comments section. Her response, simply stating, “Grateful for Sharna” accompanied by a purple heart emoji, resonated deeply with fans and critics alike. While Megan later chose to delete the comment, likely to avoid drawing excessive attention or shifting the focus from Brian and Sharna, her initial gesture was widely applauded. Many praised her for displaying immense “class” and maturity, recognizing her effort to foster a positive environment for co-parenting and for publicly endorsing Brian and Sharna’s blossoming relationship. This act of mutual respect underscores a modern approach to post-divorce family dynamics, prioritizing harmony and the well-being of their children above personal differences or public drama.