[marquis]

Yes, of course we all love to be flattered. The issue is that men are not flattered, consistently, in public, for their appearance. By bringing up Rebecca's appearance it just serves to remind everyone that women are still judged on different criteria.

If the introducer gave that speech in front of a group of friends at a dinner party that's totally fine - Rebecca can defend or affirm herself there if she chooses, but not in a professional setting.