Demi Moore Reflects on Iconic Pregnant Vanity Fair Cover: 'Thank God We've Evolved'

The cover, with Moore sans clothing and baby bulge, caused quite a firestorm when it came out, making some people heap praise upon her and others condemn her.

In a recent interview, Moore recalls the scandal surrounding the cover and admits to being somewhat surprised and overwhelmed by the reaction of the public. "I knew it was going to be a bold choice, but I never expected the level of attention it would bring," she said. "It was at a time of great change both personally and culturally, and I think the cover really struck people where I didn't."

The copy that graced the August issue of Vanity Fair had a candid interview in its pages: discussing her pregnancy, her relationship with then-husband Bruce Willis, and her career. While several praised the cover beauty and empowerment, others found it too provocative and inappropriate.

Most controversies that emerged about the cover are that the picture objectifies the body of Moore and reduces her to a physical form. Others argued that it disrespects the sanctity of pregnancy, and the cover is just simply in bad taste.

Moore has consistently defended the cover on the grounds that is a personal statement about her body and her pregnancy. She has argued it was her rebirth, or reclamation of sorts, of her sexuality and a challenge to the principles of femininity.

Probably owing to her keen awareness of public consciousness, in recent years, Moore has not stopped speaking out about the cover, having often utilized this as a prompt to address a little matter of body positivity and female empowerment. Indeed, she has argued that the current cause célèbre over the cover proves how far society has gone towards accepting diversity and challenging gender stereotypes.

"Thank God we have grown and evolved," Moore said during the recent interview. "I'm proud of the cover, of what it symbolizes. It was a strong statement, and I stand behind it."

Reflections by Moore on the notorious cover remind one of how swift the social standards are become what was once outrageous and even deemed inappropriate, but the changed views make it empowering and groundbreaking. Even today, a lot of controversy swirls around the issue and serves as an undeniable testament to the legacy of Moore as a fearless and iconic actress.