Jillian Michaels is facing some serious social media backlash after she suggested that the media shouldn’t “celebrate” Lizzo’s body.
via Complex:
During an appearance on Buzzfeed News’ AM2DM morning show, Michaels questioned why she and other people should praise Lizzo for having an image that doesn’t adhere to societal norms.
“Why are we celebrating her body?” Michaels asked in regards to Lizzo. “Why aren’t we celebrating her music? Cause it isn’t going to be awesome if she gets diabetes. I love her music. My kid loves her music. But, there’s never a moment where I’m like, ‘And I’m so glad that she’s overweight.'”
Micheals comments quickly went viral, leading Lizzo to accuse Michaels of being fatphobic.
Micheals is a professional trainer who is famous for hosting shows like NBC’s The Biggest Loser that help people live healthier lifestyles. Michael’s career path has led fans to claim that she’s made a living off fat-shaming people and they believe that her comments about Lizzo are an extension of this. Also, her story of overcoming obesity as a child to put herself in this position is well known. As a result, some fans believe that her loathing for “out of shape” people is rooted in self-hate.
Michaels later took to social media to address the backlash. “As I’ve stated repeatedly, we are all beautiful, worthy, and equally deserving,” she wrote. “I also feel strongly that we love ourselves enough to acknowledge there are serious heath consequences that come with obesity – heart disease, diabetes, cancer to name only a few.”
Watch Jillian’s remarks below.
.@JillianMichaels on Lizzo: "Why are we celebrating her body? Why does it matter? Why aren't we celebrating her music? 'Cause it isn't gonna be awesome if she gets diabetes." pic.twitter.com/FkKBd8J87b
— AM2DM by BuzzFeed News (@AM2DM) January 8, 2020
