jacoblund/iStock(NEW YORK) — Celebrity fitness trainer Jillian Michaels faced backlash online this week after making negative comments about Lizzo’s body.
Speaking on BuzzFeed News’ AM2DM, the Biggest Loser star opened up about the issues she has with the “Truth Hurts” singer preaching self acceptance.
“I don’t know anything about [Lizzo.] I’m sure she’s a cool awesome chick,” began Michaels. “But why are we celebrating her body? Why does it matter? That’s what I’m saying, like, why aren’t we celebrating her music? ‘Cause it isn’t gonna be awesome if she gets diabetes. I’m just being honest.”
Michaels also expressed confusion about why she should care about Lizzo being “overweight.”
“I love her music, my kid loves her music,” she went on. “But there’s never a moment where I’m like, ‘I’m so glad that she’s overweight.’ Like why do I even care? Why is it my job to care about her weight?”
.@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
Those comments created a social media firestorm with critics accusing Michaels of “body shaming” and being “fatphobic.”
British actress Jameela Jamil reposted the interview, commenting, “Just saying… MY WHOLE DAMN THIN FAMILY HAS DIABETES AND HIGH CHOLESTEROL AND PROBLEMS WITH OUR JOINTS. Why is This woman acting like she’s an MRI? Stop concern-trolling fat people and get in the bin. 🚮”
Other commenters pointed out that slimmer celebrities like Halle Berry and Nick Jonas are diabetic.
Following the backlash, Michaels clarified her comments on Instagram, writing, “As I’ve stated repeatedly, we are all beautiful, worthy, and equally deserving.”
The personal trainer went on, “I also feel strongly that we love ourselves enough to acknowledge there are serious health consequences that come with obesity — heart disease, diabetes, cancer to name only a few.”
Michaels claimed she wasn’t expressly wishing those health issues upon those considered overweight or obese, but advocated for people to “prioritize our health because we LOVE ourselves and our bodies.”
Lizzo has not reacted to Michaels’ remarks. However, a few hours after the interview blew up, the “Good as Hell” singer posted a video to Instagram.
She captioned the video, “Today’s mantra is: This is my life. I have done nothing wrong. I forgive myself for thinking I was wrong in the first place. I deserve to be happy.”
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