Zellweger, who won an Oscar for her portrayal of Ruby Thewes in the 2003 film Cold Mountain, went on to explain: “Not that it’s anyone’s business, but I did not make a decision to alter my face and have surgery on my eyes.”

However, the actress continues to explain how, as a woman in the public eye, she is unable to deny the rumours made about her, as it “implies an attempt to cover up the supposed tabloid ‘exposed truth’”.

And choosing to maintain a dignified silence has a similar effect.

“[To do so] leaves one vulnerable not only to the usual ridicule, but to having the narrative of one’s life hijacked by those who profiteer from invented scandal.”

Zellweger holds our society accountable for the portrayal of women in the public eye, but specifically focuses on the damaging effects of tabloid speculation and “exploitative” stories in the media.

She says: “What if immaterial tabloid stories, judgments and misconceptions remained confined to the candy jar of low-brow entertainment and were replaced in mainstream media by far more important, necessary conversations?”

The actress concludes that “we can do better” for ourselves, if only we could make more careful choices about the stories we choose to read.

Renee Zellweger slams plastic surgery speculation in powerful essay