In 2013 the term #HathaHate began circulating on social media. For the unacquainted it arose around an Oscars win for Anne Hathaway, for her role in the Hollywood remake of Les Mis. In short, it was an internet phenomenon that attacked women who appeared seemingly perfect as annoying. A New York Times writer put it simply: “It’s not really Anne Hathaway I ‘hate.’ It’s all the lesser, real-life Anne Hathaways I have known—princessy, theatre-schooled girls who have no game and no sex appeal and eat raisins for dessert.”

While the actress has briefly addressed the cyber bullying in the past, at an event in Los Angeles, she put the conversation to rest once and for all. “Be happy for women. Period,” Hathaway said during a speech for a Women in Hollywood event. “Especially be happy for high-achieving women. Like, it’s not that hard.”

The 39-year-old continued, reflecting on the social media moment. “Ten years ago, I was given an opportunity to look at the language of hatred from a new perspective,” she said. “For context – this was a language I had employed with myself since I was 7. And when your self-inflicted pain is suddenly somehow amplified back at you at, say, the full volume of the internet… It’s a thing.”

Without naming the viral hashtag she recalled moving past the hatred and added that she would “no longer hold space for it”. The actress continued, comparing hatred of behavior to existence, and spoke confidently when she stated, “But you do not have the right to judge – and especially not hate someone for existing.”

Hathaway was being honored alongside fellow influential women including Sydney Sweeney, Olivia Wilde and Issa Rae. She concluded her speech expressing her “firm belief” that we are born “experiencing love.” And that those who “learned hate” can “relearn love”.

The Devils Wears Prada star walked the red carpet earlier in the evening wearing a glittering black gown from Ralph Lauren and Bulgari high jewelry.