Here are a few examples of celebrities speaking out about body-shaming and their experiences with it in the public eye.
How many times have you read a news headline revolving around a celebrities appearance? Plenty of times I’m sure. And how many times have you personally commented on their looks? Probably at least once, right? Me too.
I’d like to think that I’ve moved on from commenting on other people’s looks, especially when it comes to body shaming. Of course, there are subconscious feelings and comments that you might make internally, but the important part is to not perpetuate negative thoughts about other people.
Because at the end of the day, who are you to judge another person? Especially unnecessary and uncalled for comments about a person’s body.
Jonah Hill
It’s rare to see men openly speak out about their bodies and insecurities — it’s usually more common for women to do these things. But I’m happy to see that people are being more vulnerable and open online. I think it’s crucial to start and share conversations with people about things that we may all struggle with on a regular basis.
“I’m 37 and finally love and accept myself.”
Kate Winslet
In a recent interview with The Guardian, Winslet opens up about her experience dealing with the publics scrutiny on her body and weight after her success in Titanic.
“In my 20s, people would talk about my weight a lot,” she says. “And I would be called to comment on my physical self. Well, then I got this label of being ballsy and outspoken. No, I was just defending myself.”
Kate was in her teens when she was cast as Rose in the award-winning film, Titanic. When asked about how her confidence was affected as a teenager, she replied, “It damaged my confidence. I didn’t want to go to Hollywood because I remember thinking, God, if this is what they’re saying to me in England, then what will happen when I get there?”
Although Winslet dealt with a lot of negative comments at the start of her career, she also believes that the industry is changing for the better and is “so moved by how different it is now.”
Tess Holliday
Tess Holliday is an American plus-size model and icon for many in the curvy beauty/fashion industry, and she is an advocate for the body positive movement.
Oftentimes people with bigger bodies are stereotyped as being unhealthy or having an unhealthy lifestyle because of their weight or size. In an interview with Self magazine, Tess talks about why she doesn’t feel the need to explain herself to anybody anymore.
“The reality is I don’t owe you s— and I don’t have to prove that I’m healthy or not, because it is nobody’s business.”
Lizzo
Lizzo is a powerhouse in the music industry and an icon for people in the body-positive movement. However, Lizzo also gets a lot of negative comments about her body, but she’s not afraid to clap back.
Lizzo received a lot of backlash a few months ago when she was seen posting workout and juicing videos on her TikTok. She did not shy away from showing people how she really felt! Don’t forget that health and wellness look different for everybody and taking care of yourself doesn’t only pertain to one’s physical appearance.
“It may come as a surprise to some of y’all, that I’m not working out to have your ideal body type. I’m working out to have my ideal body type. And you know what type that is? None of your f***ing business.”
Serena Williams
In a 2018 interview with Harper’s Bazaar U.K., Serena Williams opened up about what it’s like dealing with online trolls and body shaming. She often receives hurtful comments about her strength and muscles being too “manly.”
“It was hard for me,” Williams said. “People would say I was born a guy, all because of my arms, or because I’m strong.”
“This is me, and this is my weapon and machine,” Williams said, pointing to her biceps. “
You know what I say? To hell with the online trolls! I bet you a lot of money that they’ve never won 23 Grand Slam singles titles before, yet alone one! Oh, and don’t forget her four Olympic gold medals.
Hilary Duff
How many times have you seen comments about celebrities having cellulite? A lot, and guess what? It’s NORMAL and totally human to have cellulite. Sometimes I feel like people forget that celebrities are human too.
Hilary clapped back at body-shaming websites and magazines that used beach pictures of her for a story. She then shared the picture to her Instagram to call out body-shaming culture and prove a point. Our bodies are not only meant for physical pleasure or aesthetic purposes, but most importantly for everything that they are capable of doing, like creating a human life.
I hope you gained some insight and enjoyed reading this article. Everyone deserves to feel loved and accepted despite the societal standards that deem certain looks better than others. Our differences are what make us unique, and no journey looks the same!
