After coming under fire for making body-shaming comments about Lizzo, Jillian Michaels issued a statement that doubles down on her concerns about possible “health consequences” of obesity.
Michaels—the 45-year-old personal trainer who formerly hosted NBC’s The Biggest Loser—went after Lizzo’s weight during an interview with BuzzFeed News’ AM to DM host Alex Berg on Wednesday. As Berg lauded Lizzo for her message of self-acceptance and launched into a statement about celebrating all body types, Michaels cut in.
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“Why are we celebrating her body?” Michaels asked. “Why does it matter, that’s what I’m saying. Like, why aren’t we celebrating her music? ‘Cause it isn’t going to be awesome if she gets diabetes. I’m just being honest, like, I love her music… But there’s never a moment where I’m like ‘and I’m so glad that she’s overweight.’”
.@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
Lizzo has been a vocal advocate for positive body image for years. Online, fans of the 31-year-old Grammy nominee, as well as those who support body positivity, pounced on Michaels’ words. “More people die from complications of anorexia than any other mental illness, but sure, let’s ask for Lizzo’s bloodwork,” one commenter wrote.
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More people die from complications of anorexia than any other mental illness, but sure, let's ask for Lizzo's bloodwork.
— Michal is Mandalorthodox (@inkasrain) January 8, 2020
Does she not know that skinny people can..have diabetes just like..larger women..I- pic.twitter.com/PsRFmRb6cV
— general neutral (@menexttimehoee) January 8, 2020
Lizzo spends hours every night singing and playing the flute during intensive dance cardio. Just admit that the only self worth you've found for yourself is in your thinness, Jillian, then go to therapy & do the work to love yourself.
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