One might assume that people would be accustomed to celebrities deviating from social norms when it comes to dating and relationships. However, Richard Gere and his wife, Alejandra Silva, recently faced a barrage of comments after their appearance at the Cannes Film Festival.
Large age gaps in relationships often stir controversy, with opinions varying widely. While some people are perfectly fine with significant age differences, others find them inappropriate. There’s no definitive answer as long as both individuals are above the legal age of consent.
Celebrities who fall in love with partners significantly younger or older than themselves frequently face criticism. Leonardo DiCaprio, known for dating much younger women, is a prime example.
Despite this, we couldn’t help but feel sympathy for Richard Gere and Alejandra Silva following their recent appearance at the Cannes Film Festival.
The age gap between Gere, 74, and Silva, 41, is well-known. Yet, when they walked the red carpet for Gere’s latest movie, Oh, Canada, many online users reacted as if they were seeing the couple for the first time.
The pair appeared affectionate and happy, engaging in public displays of affection while posing for photos. Gere wore a classic black tuxedo, and Silva donned a long black dress with pink floral designs.
Predictably, online commenters focused on their age difference.
“She looks like his daughter!” one person commented on Facebook. “I can’t imagine my husband with a woman his daughter’s age—pretty gross!”
Another person added: “An observation-IMO—a lot of these older actors have Leonardo DiCaprio disease…?”
A third remarked: “A 33-year age difference. Her and Melania T must be in the same gold-digging club. Very sad.”
On Instagram, someone noted: “She doesn’t look too happy though! I mean, her face says it all.”
Another added: “It’s showing. She’s bored out of her mind.”
A simple comment stated: “Looks like his granddaughter.”
Despite the criticism, Gere and Silva have been married for six years and seem as in love as ever. The couple shares two sons, the youngest born in 2020.
In April, Richard spoke with Vanity Fair Spain about his family life, revealing that they rarely watch new movies.
“The truth is we don’t go out much. We have three small children. An 11-year-old, a 5-year-old, and a 4-year-old,” he told Vanity Fair.