Female stars who have shamed their body shamers

March 23, 2018

The internet can be a hostile place – especially when it comes to weight and body shape. Famous women face extra scrutiny courtesy of their big social media followings, being 'body shamed' for being too big or too small.
<p>Thankfully, these stars know how to take down their haters in style, hitting back with wise words that flawlessly respond to undue criticism. Here, we take a look at some of the best body shaming-comebacks to date...</p>

Drew Barrymore

Drew is the latest celebrity to fight off body shamers. After a fan commented on her weight gain by asking if she was pregnant, the Santa Calrita Diet star set the record straight. While appearing on The Late Late Show with James Corden on Wednesday (March 21).

The actress recalled a story of an encounter in a restaurant recently, “This woman stopped me and was like, ‘God, you have so many kids,’ and I go, ‘Well, not all of them are mine; I just have two,'” the mother of two explained. “And she said, ‘Well, and you’re expecting, obviously.' And I literally looked at her and go, ‘No, I’m just fat right now.’ And I walked out of the restaurant and I’m not gonna lie, I was like, ‘Oh, man, that is rough.’ I was, like, ‘I’ll just tell this story and make fun of myself.’”

Drew also remarked, to everyone's delight, that she “hates” dieting and “would much rather eat fettuccine Alfredo all day long."

Photo: © Getty Images

Selena Gomez

A fierce advocate for body positivity and mental health awareness, Selena often finds herself the target of body shaming.

In the wake of her recent split from former flame Justin Bieber, the star took a trip to Australia with some loved ones for some fun in the sun. Naturally, wherever Selena is, so is the paparazzi, who snapped some shots of her in a cute orange bikini during a boat day.

Spectators on Twitter stormed social media with critiques of the singer's body, calling her "a bit fat". But her diehard fans jumped to her defence, with one tweeting, "I think her body is beautiful and I'm happy for her because she's not afraid about showing her body."

Selena took to Instagram to clap back at her body shamers, sharing a playful video of her amazing day with the powerful caption, "The beauty myth- an obsession with physical perfection that traps modern woman in an endless cycle of hopelessness, self consciousness, and self-hatred as she tries to fulfill society’s impossible definition of flawless beauty. I chose to take care of myself because I want to, not to prove anything to anyone. Wind in her sails."

Photo: © Getty Images

Gal Gadot

Gal received some pretty heated backlash for landing the role of Wonder Woman in DC’s newest movie depiction of the comic. The mother of two was criticized for not being as busty as the original Wonder Woman, and was also called out for not having a more muscular bottom. But Gal was not fazed by any of this criticism. After all, Wonder Woman beat Deadpool in box office sales, making it the highest grossing film of the summer, and she was pregnant during filming.

In an interview with Rolling Stone, the star made an important point, “Wonder Woman would historically have lopped off one of her breasts anyway: "I told [body shamers], 'Listen, if you want to be for real, then the Amazons, they had only one boob. Exactly one boob. So, what are you talking about here?"

Photo: Getty Images

Jennifer Aniston

Once again, Jennifer Aniston has crafted the perfect statement about body-shaming. Last year, the 48-year-old Hollywood veteran published an incredibly moving essay about body image on The Huffington Post. In a recent interview with Vogue, the memorable piece came up as a vehicle to ask Jennifer if she feels that anything has since changed for women. Her response was fiercely poignant.

“I don’t think it’s getting much better,” the Friends actress told the publication. “I think the problem is the tabloids and the gossip columns taking the human body and putting it in a category. They’re either fat-shaming, or body-shaming, or childless-shaming. It’s a weird obsession that people have and I don’t understand exactly why they need to take people who are out there to entertain you, and rip them apart and bully them? Why are we teaching young women this?”

The empowering star continued to say: “It’s incredibly damaging. I was finally like, ‘This has just got to stop!’ I couldn’t hear this narrative anymore about being pregnant or not pregnant; you have no idea what is going on personally in our lives and why that is or is not happening and it feels…. In my own brain, I’ve shifted my perspective, so who gives a s***!”

Photo: Getty Images

In her piece for <em>Huffington Post</em>, Jennifer explained that she is "fed up" of endless scrutiny about her body, and whether or not she was pregnant.
<p>"For the record, I am not pregnant. What I am is fed up," wrote Jennifer in an essay titled 'For The Record'. "I'm fed up with the sport-like scrutiny and body shaming that occurs daily under the guise of 'journalism', the 'First Amendment' and 'celebrity news'."</p>
She continued: "The objectification and scrutiny we put women through is absurd and disturbing. The way I am portrayed by the media is simply a reflection of how we see and portray women in general, measured against some warped standard of beauty." Well said Jen!
<p>Photo: © Getty Images

<h4>Kelly Clarkson</h4>
The singer hit back at a critic who made a cruel comment about her weight. After the 35-year-old singer posted a heartfelt Fourth of July message, one follower replied with "You're fat."
<p>Taking the post in her stride, the <em>Voice</em> coach simply replied with, "....and still [explicit] awesome" alongside a winking emoji. She had previously tweeted: "Had a beautiful day w/family & I know I was able 2 have it because of the strength & courage of the men & women who have & are protecting us! Thank u 2 every person in service 4 protecting all of us and cheers to every person who fought for us to experience freedom & independence." [sic]</p>
Photo: Getty Images

<h4>Ireland Baldwin</h4>
The 21-year-old model took to Instagram to blast Internet trolls who have been leaving negative comments on her pictures. "This is who I am, take it or leave," wrote the star, whose parents are Alec Baldwin and Kim Basinger. She added: "I am not going to be body shamed for being pale or not stick thin. I'm not going to spend hours photo shopping my authenticity away. I'm not going to beat myself up for not looking like someone else. I'm not going to be told that I'm damaged goods because of my tattoos."</p>
She finished off the inspiring post with, "Your body should be treated with the dignity and respect it deserves."
<p>Photo: Getty Images

<h4>Lady Gaga</h4>
The Mother Monster penned an inspiring message targeted at trolls who criticized her physique during the Super Bowl halftime show. She wrote, "I heard my body is a topic of conversation so I wanted to say, I'm proud of my body and you should be proud of yours too. No matter who you are or what you do. I could give you a million reasons why you don't need to cater to anyone or anything to succeed. Be you, and be relentlessly you. That's the stuff of champions. Thank you so much everyone for supporting me. I love you guys. Xoxo, gaga."</p>
This isn't the first time that Gaga stood up to bullies. She once wrote, "So what if I got a belly sometimes, sometimes I don't. There's people starving in the world. I'd rather be fat than shallow." Yas Gaga!
<p>Photo: © Getty Images

<h4>Khloé Kardashian</h4>
The youngest of the Kardashian sisters has lost over 40lbs in the past couple of years due to her dedication to fitness and healthy eating, but Khloé Kardashian was shocked to be accused of getting too thin after previously being criticised for being overweight.<br>
Taking to Twitter to address her critics, Khloé wrote: "I need to remember the date today!! Never would I have ever thought I would be in the media for being 'too skinny'. What on earth?!?!<br>
"First I'm too fat and now I'm too skinny. I love this game!!"</p>
Photo: © Instagram

Chloe Grace Moretz

The actress sent a powerful message to her critics in a series of Twitter posts.

"When will people hiding behind computer screens get tired of calling someone 'fat' or 'masculine' – does it make you feel good typing your hateful comments? Does it fulfil you in some dark way?" she tweeted.

"Sit back before you fire away commenting ignorant things and imagine the real HUMAN BEING you are commenting about."

She concluded the post with: "He or she is a PERSON, with feelings and thoughts and a life that you are affecting so negatively. I've spent my whole life in front of cameras growing up with miscellaneous people judging and critiquing every little thing about myself.

And it's time we all stop hiding behind keyboards pretending we know even the smallest thing about the people we judge. That's all – have a nice taco Tuesday guys."

Photo: Getty Images

<h4>Rumer Willis</h4>
If you thought her movie star dad was scary, you clearly haven't been on the receiving end of a Rumer Willis rant. <i>The Dancing with the Stars</i> champ was understandably hurt when she realized her face had been altered in photos from a recent shoot.</p>
Taking to Instagram to defend herself, Bruce Willis and Demi Moore's daughter wrote: "The photographer photoshopped my face to make my jaw smaller and I find it really offensive for anybody to try and change the way you look so drastically.
<p>"I love the way I look and I won't support anyone who would feel a need to change the way I look to make me beautiful. Whether or not they realize it, it is a form of bullying, which I won't stand for."</p>
Photo: © Getty Images

<h4>Zendaya</h4>
Zendaya shut down a body-shaming comment in style after winning a Kids’ Choice Award.
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<p>After comedy writer Julie Klausner said on Twitter: “Zendaya’s ultimate retort to Guiliana Rancic is starving herself down to the size of one of her elbowz,” Zendaya took to Twitter herself to hit back.
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<p>“Do you find this funny? I will write another paragraph to educate you aswell 2#youreallywannabenext?,” she wrote.
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<p>Now....everyone go look in the mirror at their beautiful body, and love that sh*t #thickgirlswinning #skinnygirlswinning#weallwinning,” she concluded.
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<p>The “ultimate retort” Julie was referring to was Guiliana’s comments about Zendaya’s hair after she sported dreadlocks to the Oscars in 2014.</p>

Sasha Pieterse

The Pretty Little Liars star had a message for those who criticized her for having a fuller figure in the latest seasons of the hit show.

"As a lot of you have noticed, my body has gone through some changes, and I want to clear the air and give you an explanation. I have been facing a bad hormone imbalance that has thrown my body completely out of whack," the 20-year-old wrote on Instagram.

"I want to assure you that I'm healthy and getting everything back on track! A big thanks to all of you who have been in my corner!"

The actress also opened up on the body shaming from online trolls. "We live in such a judgmental society that puts every kind of flaw, including weight gain, in the same category," she wrote.

"And for those of you who are struggling with any health problem, hormone imbalance, and weight gain of any sort I urge and encourage you to please deal with it in a healthy [manner]. YOU and YOUR health are what matters, not anyone else's opinions and assumptions of you."

<h4>Ariana Grande</h4>
One online user targeted Ariana Grande on Instagram, calling her "unsexy" and "a stick."</p>
<p>The 22-year-old responded to the criticism gracefully. "We live in a day and age where people make it impossible for women, men, anyone to embrace themselves exactly how they are.</p>
<p>"Stop talking about people's bodies as if they're on display asking for your approval/opinion. They are not."</p>
<p>Photo: © Getty Images</p>

<h4>Amy Schumer</h4>
A movie critic referenced comedian Amy Schumer's figure in a review of her film <em>Trainwreck</em>, labelling her "not conventionally attractive" and "chubby."</p>
<p>It didn't take long for Amy to respond, uploading a topless photo to Twitter and writing, "I am a size 6 and have no plans of changing. This is it. Stay on or get off. Kisses!"</p>
<p>In an interview with <em>USA Today</em> shortly after, Amy gave her thoughts on the critic's comments. "From the bottom of my heart – I could not care less."</p>
<p>Photo: © Getty Images</p>

<h4>Chrissy Teigen</h4>
When Chrissy Teigen posted a shot of herself at an event in 2014, some users decided to comment on the star's appearance. One woman wrote, "You gained weight?" while another said, "Putting on that weight momma."</p>
<p>It didn't take long for quick-witted Chrissy to slam her critics, writing, "In what other real life situation would you walk up to someone and tell them they're fat or gained weight?"</p>
<p>Photo: © Getty Images</p>

<h4>Magdalena Frackowiak</h4>
Backstage at the Victoria's Secret show, model Magdalena was asked, "What are you most excited to eat after the show?" The five-time VS Fashion Show veteran didn't hold back with her response.</p>
<p>"What? No, guys, not with these kinds of question, this is stupid! Ask more smart questions, not eating after the show," she retorted.</p>
<p>"You make me look like an idiot," she added. "It seems like I'm starving myself, and I can't wait for the show to end so I can eat."</p>
<p>Photo: © Getty Images</p>

<h4>Gigi Hadid</h4>
It's hard to believe, given how incredible she looks, but Gigi Hadid is not immune to body shamers on Instagram. After a while, she'd had enough of the negative comments, writing an open letter on her Instagram account.</p>
<p>"I'm human, and I'm not going to lie, I did let the negativity get to me a little," she wrote. "I'm a hard worker that's confident in myself. I represent a body image that wasn't accepted in high-fashion before... Yes, I have abs, I have a butt, I have thighs, but I'm not asking for special treatment."</p>
<p>"I'm fitting into sample sizes. Your mean comments don't make me want to change my body."</p>
<p>Photo: © Getty Images</p>

Gabourey Sibide

Empire actress Gabourey Sidibe was shocked to find herself the target of body shaming after she took part in a sex scene on the show, receiving nasty comments and shocking memes.

The star wrote a blog post for Entertainment Weekly to combat the mean remarks. "I, a plus-sized, dark-skinned woman, had a love scene on primetime television," she said.

"I had the most fun ever filming that scene even though I was nervous. But I felt sexy and beautiful, and I felt like I was doing a good job."

She later opened up about the hateful response to the scene, saying, "I'm very proud of the work we all did to make that scene a great opening for the episode. I keep hearing that people are ‘hating’ on it. I’m not sure how anyone could hate on love, but that’s okay. You may have your memes. Honestly, I’m at work too busy to check Twitter anyway. #Booked. Hope you enjoy next week’s show!"