7 Celebrities Who Faced Brutal Fat-Shaming In Media

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5 days ago

Kate Winslet
Following her 1997 role in Titanic, Kate was subjected to unbelievably sickening media criticism about her weight. In fact, while she was wearing the below dress, one reporter said, "Kate's a little melted and poured into that dress. You know, she just needed two sizes larger, and it would have probably been okay."
Kate has since spoken out about the damaging effects it had on her, recalling that tabloid journalists would frequently comment on her size and guess her weight. Joan Rivers even made a joke suggesting that if Winslet had lost a few pounds, the Titanic wouldn't have sunk.In a 2024 interview with 60 Minutes, Kate became emotional as she recalled confronting a reporter who had body shamed her, saying, "I hope this haunts you."
Jessica Simpson
In 2009, photos of Jessica Simpson in high-waisted jeans led to widespread media ridicule, branding her as "fat."
This incident is a notable example of how mainstream fatphobia was in early '00s pop culture. Jessica's sister, Ashlee, publicly defended her, criticizing the media's focus on weight, calling it "belittling to all women." Jessica has talked about the lasting impact this particular appearance had on her. In a 2023 interview with Glamour, she discussed how the public scrutiny confused her children, and she told them, "I wish I could explain it."
Tyra Banks
After what appeared to be a photoshopped paparazzi photo of Tyra Banks in a swimsuit surfaced in 2007, tabloids mocked her with headlines like 'Thigh-ra Banks' and 'America's Next Top Waddle.' Tyra decided to address the criticism, by wearing the same swimsuit on The Tyra Banks Show, telling critics to, 'Kiss my fat ass."
Over the years, Tyra has acknowledged that her show America's Next Top Model promoted certain toxic body standards. In 2025, during the Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards, she admitted to making "dumb" statements and emphasized that while the show made significant strides in diversifying the fashion industry, it also had its shortcomings.
Christina Aguilera
During the late '90s and early '00s, Christina Aguilera faced media scrutiny about her body, especially as she transitioned from her teenage years.
2002 was when Christina faced the most criticism, which was when her song "Dirrty" was popular. Many times, the media would focus on her appearance or sexuality over her music. In a 2024 interview with Glamour, she expressed her frustration with the media's fixation on her body and sexuality, stating, "I just don't give a fuck about your opinion."
Nicole Richie
Nicole Richie was often labeled as the "fat friend" on The Simple Life with Paris Hilton in the early '00s. This mischaracterization highlights the unrealistic body expectations that were rampant at the time.
The media's portrayal of Nicole was often contradictory and invasive. In 2006, her weight loss became a focal point for media speculation. She openly acknowledged to being "too thin" and expressed concern about the message it sent to young girls. She ended up getting professional help, including consulting a nutritionist and a doctor, to address her health.Nicole's openness about her struggles has contributed to ongoing conversations about mental health, body image, and the need for a more compassionate media landscape.
Oprah Winfrey
In 1985, during her first appearance on The Tonight Show, Joan Rivers questioned Oprah Winfrey's weight on national television, suggesting she should lose 15 pounds to be invited back. Oprah has recounted this experience, sharing that she remembers Joan saying to her, "Tell me why you are so fat."
Throughout the '80s and '90s, Oprah's weight was a frequent topic in tabloids and media outlets. She has even said, "Making fun of my weight was a national sport." Headlines often used derogatory language, with one 1990 TV Guide cover describing her as "bumpy, lumpy, and downright dumpy."Oprah has also elaborated on how the media's focus on her weight impacted her personal life. She has recounted avoiding social events, such as declining an invitation to Don Johnson's Christmas party in 1988, because she felt "too fat" to attend. She also admitted to internalizing the ridicule she faced, stating, "I have to say that I took on the shame that the world gave to me."
Renée Zellweger
Renée's 2001 portrayal of Bridget Jones in Bridget Jones's Diary subjected her to intense focus on her physical appearance. To authentically represent the character, Zellweger gained approximately 30 pounds, a decision that sparked extensive media commentary.
Despite the character's relatability and the film's success, discussions often centered on Renée's weight gain rather than her performance. In a 2017 interview on The Oprah Winfrey Show, she expressed discomfort with the praise she received for losing weight after filming, highlighting how such comments perpetuate unhealthy body standards.
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