Latest news with #ShouldIDeleteThat?
Elle
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Elle
We All Agreed That Diet Culture Was Bad. So Why Is It Back?
Has anyone noticed a shift lately? You open TikTok and sift through videos of 'fit checks, body checks, workout tips, not feeling much of anything at all. Except, of course, that vague sense of dread in the pit of your stomach. Is that influencer so slim because she follows a clean-eating plan, or because she doesn't eat at all? Maybe there's a seismic change in the air. Celebrities are losing weight, even those who branded themselves as body-positive icons. Others are being scrutinised for signs they're taking weight-loss drugs. Lana Del Rey, a star once reviled for no longer looking 25 years old, appeared at Coachella looking 25 years old. The internet's reaction to her reclaimed thinness was 'WE ARE SO BACK'. A stranger's weight loss, it would seem, is a harbinger of hope. Or maybe a testament that fat shaming works. 'I've seen a huge uptick in content online that promotes diet culture, and very often tips over into eating-disorder territory,' says Alex Light, a body-image speaker. 'A lot of it is subtle, disguised as 'wellness', but some of it is blatant – like 'what I eat in a day' videos glorifying extremely low-calorie [diets], or creators encouraging their followers to be 'skinny legends'.' When you start to notice them, the signs are everywhere. Noughties fashion trends are having a revival, along with the idealisation of Noughties-era bodies. Wellness discourse is crossing into alt-right territory. AI is making everyone even more image obsessedwith people asking ChatGPT if they're 'hot enough'. Politics is influencing beauty trends. Unabashed 'skinny influencers' are mainstream. What on earth happened, would be a fair question to ask. Didn't we all agree, around a decade ago, that diet culture was bad? That there's more to life than being thin? 'Arguably what scares me more is the engagement on these posts: thousands of likes and comments applauding the dedication, or asking for tips,' Light continues. 'It shows this isn't happening in a vacuum – there's a wider cultural appetite for this kind of content.' An 'anti-diet advocate', Light is the author of You Are Not a Before Picture and co-host of Should I Delete That?, a podcast she co-hosts with Em Clarkson, which attempts to apply the nuance 'that is often left out of the polarising conversations that take place on social media'. Indeed, these symptoms of our divided times could be linked to diet culture's big comeback. 'The algorithm doesn't tend to reward nuance, compassion or content that doesn't focus on aesthetics or transformation,' Light says. 'What's common is 'wellness' content that ends up reinforcing body ideals: 'gentle' weight-loss goals, 'healthy swaps' or hyper-disciplined routines. It might not look like traditional diet culture on the surface, but it reinforces the idea that your body is a problem to fix.' Dr Johanna Keeler, a psychologist specialising in eating disorders, confirms that seemingly benign social-media content can have an insidious effect. She points to a recent study of TikTok algorithms, which found that people with an eating disorder were far more likely to be shown appearance-oriented, dieting and exercise content. ('They were 4343% more likely to be shown toxic eating-disorder videos,' she adds.) The problem is that the algorithm perpetuates a 'vicious circle' – those with eating disorders are more likely to be shown triggering content, and the triggering content exacerbates disordered eating. 'The worrying thing is that, because of smartphones, we're exposed to this content a lot more.' This is made more extreme due to tailored content from the algorithms, causing vulnerable people to get stuck in a harmful echo chamber. It's not the first time social media has sparked these concerns. 'This era echoes pro-anorexia Tumblr, but it has a shinier, more socially acceptable veneer,' Light says. The website was host to a huge number of 'pro-ana' blogs that posted 'thinspiration' in the form of personal pictures and Kate Moss gifs, fostering one-upmanship around users' daily food intake and workout routines. While this phenomenon was more brazen in its promotion of dieting, Light argues that 'the result is the same: we're still being told that our value hinges on how small, controlled and ideal our bodies look'. A lot of today's viral content is more implicit in its promotion of the beauty standard – a cursory glance at Instagram's Explore page will reveal paparazzi pictures of celebrities in bikinis, their figures picked apart in the comments, and fitness influencers sharing weight-loss tips. 'It's dressed up as 'wellness', 'clean living' or 'biohacking',' Light says, referencing the coded terms creators use to avoid being cancelled. But as Keeler's research suggests, this can function as a gateway to more extreme, pro-ana subcultures, and influencers who are less precious about their wording. Liv Schmidt, a 23-year-old former TikTok creator, shared videos telling followers what she eats in a day 'to stay skinny', with slogans including: 'It's not a sin to want to be thin'. After being barred from the app, Schmidt started a membership programme she calls the Skinni Société, where subscribers pay $20 a month to gain access to her 'portion-controlled' food diaries, and group chats where members compare step counts and 'progress pics'. 'Seeing Gen Z engage with his rhetoric has been a big shocker,' says Gina Tonic, senior editor and podcast host at Polyester Zine. 'The worst thing I've seen is SkinnyTok and eating-disorder Twitter accounts making their way into 'normal' algorithms – being seen by many who didn't know they existed prior to that.' Though TikTok has banned the #SkinnyTok hashtag, the community is still active and growing on the app. 'You hope younger generations will be more socially aware but it's not necessarily the case; they make the same mistakes we do, and that's hard to watch.' Tonic notes the responsibility to police this content ultimately lies with social-media platforms, who seem to 'prioritise engagement over wellbeing and social justice'. She says an early sign of the pendulum swing back to diet culture was 'creators who centred their brand on self-love or body positivity or fat liberation shifting to be around weight loss'. Many TikTok users who have undergone transformations opened up about their use of GLP-1s, which have been hailed as miracle drugs while giving rise to ethical concerns. Part of a cultural shift to the pursuit of thinness at all costs, these admissions seem even more jarring to those who remember a time when showcasing diverse bodies on the internet was celebrated. 'In the 2010s, we had a mainstream wave of body positivity,' says Light. In an interview with BeautyMatter, beauty-industry critic Jessica DeFino said that, during this time, 'anti-diet culture limited what beauty standards the media could promote without facing public backlash'. But even if the movement was more about optics than genuine progress, with celebrities cashing in on wokeness for clout, Light claims this was preferable to the situation we find ourselves in. 'A lot of it wasn't perfect, of course, but it cracked open the conversation, gave marginalised bodies visibility and challenged narrow beauty standards.' And though it can seem like progress has been permanently reversed, Tonic believes sometimes things have to get worse before they get better: 'Fat liberation, a lot like feminism, has come in waves of popularity, and the tide seems to be out at the minute. I do think it'll come back full-force soon.' In the meantime, it's important to practise awareness, and to consider safeguarding measures. In a recent study, almost one in five UK women screened positive for a possible eating disorder. The most effective way to break yourself out of negative thinking patterns? Addressing that pesky phone addiction. 'Any sort of intervention to try to limit your exposure should help improve your appearance-satisfaction and wellbeing', Keeler advises. Tonic agrees, but also advocates engaging with online content that makes you feel good. 'I think making an active commitment to following and engaging with accounts that are body positive and seek to decentre and oppose these conversations will help so much,' she says. 'Curate a feed and algorithm that feeds you the right things. Negative things online are unavoidable at this point, but pointedly engaging with content that counteracts it will do wonders.' Light, similarly, has found hope by building a positive online community. 'The messages I get from people who've started to eat more freely, wear the clothes they love, stop punishing themselves… all of it reminds me that change is happening, even if it's gradual and it's not trending,' she says. 'I think a great question to ask yourself is, 'Who benefits from me believing I need to be smaller?' The answer is never you. It's the multi-billion-dollar diet industry. Knowing that I'm fine exactly as I am and that I don't need to be smaller is an act of rebellion. Real joy and confidence come from opting out.' If you're worried about disordered eating or concerned about someone else, there are resources that can help: ELLE Collective is a new community of fashion, beauty and culture lovers. For access to exclusive content, events, inspiring advice from our Editors and industry experts, as well the opportunity to meet designers, thought-leaders and stylists, become a member today HERE.
Wales Online
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Jeremy Clarkson's daughter makes family decision despite ‘difficult' pregnancies
Jeremy Clarkson's daughter makes family decision despite 'difficult' pregnancies Jeremy Clarkson became a grandfather for the second time when his daughter Emily welcomed her daughter Xanthe into the world in December, and could see his family extending again in the future Jeremy Clarkson's daughter Emily hinted she could be open to another child in the future (Image: David M Benett/for Simon & Schuster UK ) Jeremy Clarkson's daughter Emily suggested she has made a huge family decision. The podcaster believes her children are 'not all here' yet, despite admitting she had 'difficulties' during her last pregnancy. Podcaster Emily and her husband Alex Andrew welcomed baby Xanthe into the world in December. Their first daughter, Arlo, was born in February 2023. Emily has previously spoken of how she struggled with hyperemesis gravidarum during the pregnancy. The condition causes prolonged periods of severe nausea and vomiting. She described the second pregnancy as 'the hardest thing I have ever been through'. Writing on social media, Emily explained she was left feeling 'physically sick' at everyday things, such as the 'smell of my daughter's hair' or the thought of eating an avocado. She said: 'It has been the hardest thing I have ever been through, harder in my second pregnancy than my first, due largely to the devastating guilt I felt not being able to be there in the way I wanted for my first daughter whilst making my second." Emily Clarkson says she had a 'difficult' second pregnancy (Image: David M Benett/for Simon & Schuster UK ) Article continues below Emily explained her physical symptoms did eventually ease during the pregnancy. Although she confessed she hadn't had a single vegetable, glass of water, or a 'day unmedicated' throughout the term. And while she has been open about her struggles last pregnancy, the podcaster told former The Only Way is Essex star Kate Ferdinand that she would be open to another child. On her Should I Delete That? podcast, Emily admitted 'there's room' in the family for a third. She said: 'I look at my kids sometimes on the sofa and I think, 'I'm not sure you're all here'. Like I'm not sure they're all here yet.' When asked if she was considering another baby, Emily replied: 'I would like to. For sure, in some capacity. My pregnancies were really difficult so I'm not sure what that will look like. 'But when I look at the sofa, I'm like, 'There's room. I don't think you're all here yet'.' Emily Clarkson outside Downing Street (Image: PA Archive/PA Images ) Kate shares children Cree and Shae with former England footballer Rio Ferdinand and is step-mum to Lorenz, 18, Tate, 16, and Tia, 13, from his marriage to his late wife Rebecca Ellison. She joked she would 'have a breakdown' if she and Rio had another child. She added: 'I look at the sofa and it is absolutely full, there is no more space, we are done. I think I would have a breakdown, I'm already driving like a bus because that's the only way we're going to fit in the car.' Emily is Jeremy's oldest child and has followed in her father's footsteps by carving out a media career. As well as hosting a podcast, she has released two books, Can I Speak to Someone in Charge? and Dear Pretty Normal Me. Article continues below As well as Emily, Jeremy shares son Finlo, 28, and daughter Katya, 24, with ex-wife Frances Cain.
Daily Mirror
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Jeremy Clarkson's daughter hired investigator to save family from online trolls
After being subject to vile abuse online, Emily Clarkson did all she could to protect her family from the online trolls and managed to track them down with thanks to a personal investigator Jeremy Clarkson's daughter Emily has taken drastic measures to protect her family as online trolls attacked her personal life online. In recent weeks influencers and celebrities have opened up about the toll online gossip site Tattle Life has taken on their lives, with personal lives, cruel comments and addresses being shared on the platform. Since Tattle Life's anonymous owner was outed in a Northern Irish court last month, victims of the vicious forum openly spoken out about the impact it's had on them. Jeremy Clarkson's eldest daughter is among those speaking out after she resorted to hiring a private investigator to help uncover the trolls targeting her and her family. Speaking on her podcast Should I Delete That? with co-host Alex Light, Emily said the gossip site had left her "broken" and the cyberbullying got to bad she needed help stopping the abuse. Emily said: "Tattle has been the biggest thorn in our sides. You and I, Al, have genuinely been heartbroken by this; it's affected me to the point where I've had to block it on all devices." Tattle, which attracted 12 million visitors a month has been around for nearly a decade, and was originally created as an open platform for discussion, but has been known as a "troll site" attacking celebrities and internet personalities. Emily, who is an author, is just one of thousands of people being trolled by anonymous Tattle users and the 30-year-old said her pregnancy with her second child, Xanthe was ruined by trolls on the site who leaked details of her pregnancy. "I was so broken by it, I haven't been able to check it since Arlo was born, if they say anything bad about my kids I'm gonna die," Emily further detailed. For more stories like this subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Weekly Gulp, for a curated roundup of trending stories, poignant interviews, and viral lifestyle picks from The Mirror's Audience U35 team delivered straight to your inbox. Once her pregnancy had been leaked online by Tattle Life users, Emily got the private investigator to track down the culprit. "It felt really nice to know they could be found, and if you push me too far, I know who you are," she said. "If I read my thread, I'd think I'm the worst person in the world. Emily said: "I'm incredibly good at finding people on the internet," and her investigation skills led her to find one Tattle Life user who referred to Emily as 'thrush' as she was 'annoying', but on Instagram, the user would message Emily being as nice as pie. To show her she knew who she was, Emily decided to send her a picture of thrush medication on Instagram and was swiftly left alone by the troll. "She saw it and never replied," Emily laughed. However she said the comments not only "broke her" but could also have a detrimental effect on her career including work partnerships and relationships as those targeted never get a chance to defend themselves. Help us improve our content by completing the survey below. We'd love to hear from you!
Scottish Sun
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I hired a PI after Tattle Life trolls outed my pregnancy – it left me heartbroken, says Jeremy Clarkson's daughter Emily
Scroll down to see how Tattle Life affected thousands of celebs and influencers TROLL HELL I hired a PI after Tattle Life trolls outed my pregnancy – it left me heartbroken, says Jeremy Clarkson's daughter Emily Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE Tattle Life website has been used for years to spread nasty gossip about celebrities and influencers alike. But since its anonymous owner was outed in a Northern Irish court last month, victims of the forums have finally spoken out against the abuse they've endured, including Emily Clarkson. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Emily Clarkson shared her battle with the gossip forum Tattle Life Credit: Rex Features 3 the mum of two had to hire a PI to keep her family safe Credit: Instagram/em_clarkson Speaking on her podcast Should I Delete That? with co-host Alex Light, Jeremy Clarkson's eldest daughter has shared the lengths she went to in an attempt to uncover the trolls targeting her and her family. Englishman, Sebastian Bond, lost his right to anonymity in the courts after he was successfully sued for defamation as the website's founder. The site which attracted 12 million visitors a month was launched seven years ago and supposedly aimed at exposing disingenuous influencers, but has earned the name of a 'troll site; to abuse anyone they see fit.' And Emily was one of thousands of celebrities targeted by people hiding under anonymous accounts to spread hate and abuse. Speaking on the podcast, Emily said: "Tattle has been the biggest thorn in our sides. "You and I, Al, have genuinely been heartbroken by this; it's affected me to the point where I've had to block it on all devices. Emily revealed she has to get those close to her to check the site every few weeks just to ensure images of her kids and her home address wasn't leaked. "I was so broken by it, I haven't been able to check it since Arlo was born, if they say anything bad about my kids I'm gonna die" she continued. The 30-year-old also revealed that her pregnancy with her second child, Xanthe was ruined by trolls on the site who leaked details of her pregnancy. Emily revealed that the cyberbullying got so bad she ended up hiring a private investigator (PI) to find the trolls who were not just harassing her online but stalking her in real life too. 3 Emily is the oldest daughter of journalist and TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson Credit: Amazon Ireland AM guest recalls harrowing online harassment from tattle website "I need to stress, I've found these people, I've hired a PI and I'm incredibly good at finding people on the internet," she continued. Emily's clever detective skills led her to find one Tattle Life user who referred to Emily as 'thrush' as she was 'annoying', but on Instagram would DM Emily being nice as pie. To show her she knew who she was, Emily decided to send her a picture of thrush medication on Instagram and was swiftly left alone by the troll. "She saw it and never replied," Emily chuckled. Tattle Life Timeline Creation of Tattle Life: The online forum Tattle Life was established as a platform for commentary and critiques of influencers and celebrities. Harassment of Neil and Donna Sands: A 45-page thread targeting Neil and Donna Sands appeared on Tattle Life, leading to a campaign of harassment, invasion of privacy, defamation, and breach of data rights against the couple. Legal Action by the Sands: Neil and Donna Sands filed a lawsuit against Tattle Life, seeking justice for the harm caused by the forum's content. Outcome of the Lawsuit: The Sands won £300,000 in damages, marking a significant victory in their legal battle. Unmasking of Tattle Life Owner: The legal action revealed the identity of the website's owner, Sebastian Bond, also known as the vegan cooking influencer Bastian Durward. Repercussions for Tattle Life: Following the lawsuit, many users of Tattle Life began deleting their accounts due to fears of exposure. Other individuals who have been targeted by the site are now considering legal action, including applying for Norwich Pharmacal orders to unmask anonymous trolls. After her pregnancy was leaked on the site, Emily got a PI to track down who it was. "It felt really nice to know they could be found, and if you push me too far, I know who you are," she continued. "If I read my thread, I'd think I'm the worst person in the world," she added. Emily made the point that not only did the comments hurt her but could also affect future work partnerships and relationships, and the platform never gave those targeted a chance to defend themselves. Since it was created in 2017, the founder of Tattle Life was anonymous, but it was found out after fashion brand owner Donna Sands and her husband Neil took the owner to court in Northern Ireland, Sebastian's identity was lifted. Thanks to The Sands, who were targeted by those on the site, Sebastian was found to be the anonymous founder and they have been awarded £150,000 each.
North Wales Live
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
Clarkson's Farm star Harriet Cowan hits back at 'fake' claims with four-word response
Clarkson's Farm star Harriet Cowan has hit back at the show's "fake" claims with a four-word response. The 24-year-old nurse and farmhand filled in for Kaleb Cooper in the fourth series of the hit Prime Video series. She admitted to Jeremy Clarkson upon her arrival at Diddly Squat Farm that she hadn't watched an episode of the show. "Well, you know on YouTube you get those 'shorts' where it's like funny moments? I've seen them. I ain't got time to watch all that," Cowan explained to the ex-Top Gear host. She later clarified the authenticity of this exchange while chatting with Emily Clarkson on the podcast, Should I Delete That?, confirming: "It is so real". Emily, aged 30, queried: "Do you ever sit down with your boyfriend and chill together, or eat together? It sounds impossible." Harriet replied: "No, no. In the trailer where it's like, 'Have you watched Clarkson's Farm before?' And I'm like, 'No', it looked so fake," reports the Express. "But it is so real because we don't watch telly. Literally, if we watch something, James will sit down, his head will hit the back of the sofa and he's asleep because the second he can rest, he'll sleep, because he's so tired all the time." Harriet was brought onto the show by Jeremy, aged 65, after Kaleb took a break from the 1,000-acre Oxfordshire farm to embark on his tour, The World According to Kaleb. In an upcoming preview, Jeremy shared: "I want to make it plain that I am absolutely thrilled to bits for Kaleb, but he has left me just a little bit in the lurch." With speculation amongst fans that Harriet's involvement might signal a long-term absence for Kaleb, Jeremy has stepped in to allay those fears. "There's been lots of reports that Kaleb has been 'replaced' - well, no he hasn't," Jeremy assured his followers. "What happened is this: he went away on his speaking tour for a couple of months because he imagined that after four years I'd be able to manage on my own." He continued: "And I didn't - I made a complete mess of everything and had to bring in a young farmer called Harriet. Harriet is brilliant and looked after the fort until he got back. That is it - that's the story!"
