Body shaming is the act of making a person feel bad about their body, whether it’s through words, looks, or actions. It is the deliberate effort to make someone ashamed of their physical appearance.

There is no specific reason for body shaming; it can be about being too big, too small, too tall, too short or about being too fat or thin.

Body shaming can be emotionally hurtful hence harmful to overall mental health leading to a myriad of issues like low self esteem, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, social withdrawals and even suicidal thoughts.

And this can come from anywhere. Family, souses, friends, social media,  or even ourselves. Self criticism and self consciousness is a big one.

Body shaming is one of the reasons why the world is obsessed with bodily perfections. Women, especially celebrities are  harshly and continually judged for their bodies, age and everything in between.

This report spotlights well-known women who were body shamed and how they responded.

Janet Jackson

Janet Jackson revealed that one of her earliest experiences with body shaming came from within her own family. In her self-titled two-part documentary, the singer spoke candidly about being teased by her older brother, Michael Jackson, during her childhood. She recalled being called hurtful names such as “pig,” “horse,” “slaughter hog,” and “cow.”

Although she laughed along at the time, Jackson admitted that the comments deeply affected her. She was around 11 years old, while her brother was already an adult. Reflecting on the experience, she explained that being told you are “too heavy” at such a young age can have lasting emotional consequences.

Nelly Furtado

In October, Nelly Furtado announced that she was stepping away from music following a wave of body-shaming comments on social media. The Grammy-winning artist shared the news while celebrating the 25th anniversary of her debut album, Whoa, Nelly!.

In an emotional Instagram post, Furtado reflected on her career and the renewed attention her work has received from a new generation of fans. Alongside a photo from 2000 and a recent performance clip from Berlin, she expressed gratitude for the continued support, while also acknowledging the toll that public criticism of her appearance has taken.

Selena Gomez

Following her appearance at the 2023 Golden Globe Awards, Selena Gomez faced widespread body-shaming comments online. In response, she posted an Instagram video alongside her younger sister, Gracie Teefey, addressing the criticism with honesty and warmth. Gomez explained that she had gained some weight after enjoying the holiday season, emphasizing that she was comfortable with herself.

Supporters were quick to defend her, noting that she should not feel obligated to justify her body. Gomez has long spoken out against body shaming, stating in the past that she has accepted she cannot please everyone. She has repeatedly emphasized self-care over societal expectations, asserting that she is “perfect the way I am.”

Nicola Coughlan

Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan publicly asked fans to stop commenting on her body, particularly in direct messages. In an Instagram post, she explained that while many people may not intend harm, receiving thousands of opinions about her appearance is emotionally overwhelming.

Coughlan acknowledged that being on television invites public discussion, but she urged people to refrain from sending their judgments directly to her. Her message highlighted the emotional burden placed on public figures and reinforced the importance of basic empathy.

Alicia Silverstone

Alicia Silverstone has faced body shaming throughout her career. In a recent TikTok video, she responded humorously to an online photo labeled “Alicia Silverstone Candid Fat Photo” by smiling, gesturing defiantly, and captioning the video, “Damn. I think I look good!”

In a separate interview with The Guardian, Silverstone reflected on the media scrutiny she endured earlier in her career, particularly during the release of Batman & Robin. She described the commentary as hurtful but stated that she always knew it was wrong to shame someone for their body shape.

Rebel Wilson

Rebel Wilson has spoken openly about the challenges she faced in Hollywood due to her weight. She revealed that casting agents often dismissed her outright because of her size. Rather than viewing this as a disadvantage, Wilson chose to turn it into a strength, building a successful career despite repeated rejection.

After losing approximately 80 pounds during a health-focused lifestyle change in 2020, Wilson admitted feeling conflicted. Although the transformation proved she could lose weight, she struggled with the idea of conforming to industry beauty standards, especially since her career success had never depended on weight loss.

Billie Eilish

Billie Eilish has been scrutinized for her body since rising to fame at just 13 years old. Initially known for wearing oversized clothing, she later experimented with more traditionally feminine styles, including a corseted Vogue cover shoot and a Marilyn Monroe–inspired Met Gala look.

Rather than celebrating her artistic evolution, many critics fixated on her body. Eilish revealed that she lost 100,000 Instagram followers after sharing images from her Vogue shoot, stating that people were “scared of big boobs.” She has since spoken openly about the damaging effects of body obsession and public judgment.

Lizzo

Lizzo has long been vocal about body positivity, but she admitted that ongoing fat-shaming, racism, and public criticism have sometimes taken an emotional toll. Following the release of Rumors with Cardi B, she broke down during an Instagram Live, explaining that relentless negativity becomes harder to endure when she is already exhausted from working intensely.

She later addressed comedian Aries Spears’ body-shaming remarks during her acceptance speech at the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards. Onstage, Lizzo said:

“And now, to the bitches that got something to say about me in the press… You know what? I’m not gonna say nothing. They be like, ‘Lizzo, why don’t you clap back? Why don’t you clap back?’ ’Cause, bitch, I’m winning, ho! Big bitch is winning, ho! Best revenge is your paper, bitch!”

Her response was widely praised as a powerful rejection of body-shaming narratives.

Umm E Habiba

Punjab, Pakistan