‘Biggest Loser’ Star Jillian Michaels Accused Of Body Shaming Lizzo
Lizzo fans are calling out The Biggest Loser‘s Jillian Michaels for her recent remarks about the singer’s weight. Some went as far as to accuse Michaels of body shaming Lizzo. Now the trainer is speaking out.
During a Wednesday (Jan. 8) appearance on BuzzFeed’s AM to DM, Michaels spoke about pop stars who promote body positivity. When the conversation turned to Lizzo, Michaels suggested fans should be celebrating her music, not her body.
“Why are we celebrating her body?” Michaels said. “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.”
Michael said she and her kids love Lizzo’s music, “but there’s never a moment when I’m like, ‘I’m so glad she’s overweight.’ Why do I even care? Why is it my job to care about her weight?” During the interview, Michaels also said that she doesn’t want to “glorify obesity.”
.@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
Twitter felt that Michaels’ comments were insensitive and said more about her then Lizzo. “Jillian Michaels has successfully projected her body dysmorphia outwards for years and made a ton of cash off it,” author Sara Benincasa tweeted.
The Good Place‘s Jameela Jamil questioned why Michaels felt it was her place to diagnose Lizzo. “Just saying… MY WHOLE DAMN THIN FAMILY HAS DIABETES AND HIGH CHOLESTEROL AND PROBLEMS WITH OUR JOINTS,” she tweeted. “Why is This woman acting like she’s an MRI? Stop concern-trolling fat people and get in the bin.”
Hours after the interview, Michaels took to Twitter to explain herself. “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 health consequences that come with obesity—heart disease, diabetes, cancer to name only a few.”
Michaels continued, “I would never wish these for ANYONE and I would hope we prioritize our health because we LOVE ourselves and our bodies.”
Lizzo, who recently announced she’s taking a Twitter hiatus, has not responded to Michaels’ comments.
— Jillian Michaels (@JillianMichaels) January 9, 2020
