Being in the spotlight can be a tough thing when anyone who looks at you can publicly judge and body shame on a regular basis, but many young female celebs, including Stassi Schroeder, 32, Billie Eilish, 19, Jameela Jamil, 34, and Jessica Simpson, 40, have taken a stand on the unnecessary criticism by speaking out against it. These ladies have been the victims of online scrutiny more than once in the past, but instead of letting it get them down, they chose to remind fans that embracing themselves and others, especially when it comes to physical traits, is more important than giving energy to the haters. We’re taking a look back at some of our favorite social media stances against body shamers from some of the world’s most gorgeous women below. Take a look and let their powerful messages inspire!
Stassi Schroeder
Stassi Schroeder shared a photo of herself crying on Dec. 30, in response to unkind DMs she has received amid the former Vanderpump Rules star’s pregnancy. “Real talk- pregnancy is hard. I don’t feel like myself. I don’t feel attractive. I feel like I’m only good for making a baby,” Stassi, who’s expecting her first child with her husband Beau Clark, wrote over the vulnerable selfie.
“I feel like I have zero control over anything. I’m uncomfortable and it’s painful to move around,” Stassi continued. “And my emotions are so all over the place, I feel insane. I’ve received lots of dm’s from people telling me I complain too much and should shut up and just be thankful I’m pregnant.”
However, Stassi made it clear that she’s grateful for the child she’s carrying: “I’ve never been more thankful for anything. Being a mother was my biggest dream and I can’t wait to meet my daughter. But I’m still allowed to struggle with it. Why is there so much pressure on pregnant women to be super heroes? Can we stop that now?”
Brittany Cartwright
Brittany Cartwright is another Vanderpump Rules alum who’s had to deal with online critics amid her pregnancy. The mother-to-be decided to clap back against the negativity by proudly showing off her baby bump in an Instagram post on Dec. 29, and writing, “I put this on my story but ya know what, I deserve to post this with pride. I am so proud of my body for creating my son. I have had days where I let negative comments from strangers get me down, but WHY!? I am growing a perfect and healthy human being who I have only dreamed of my entire life.” You can read Brittany’s full message, here.
Billie Eilish
After photos of Billie running errands in a tank top and shorts were criticized by some trolls online in Oct., she took to her Instagram to respond by sharing a video of influencer Chizi Duru calling out body shamers. “Y’all gotta start normalizing real bodies, okay?” Chizi said in the video. “Not everybody has a wagon behind them, okay? Guts are normal. They’re normal. Boobs sag….especially after breastfeeding. Instagram isn’t real!” Check out the full video above.
Jameela Jamil
Jameela is known for speaking her mind about various topics on social media even if it’s not the most popular opinion, and that’s exactly what she did in an Oct. 15 tweet, which has since been deleted. The message she shared was in response to Billie’s body shaming situation and she made sure to remind others that the singer is “human” just like everyone else. “The lows we have stooped to when we are bullying an 18 year old pop star about her body, forgetting that not only is she human, but there are children watching our behavior internalizing our words against themselves and others, learning from you how to make this world uglier,” the tweet read.
Jessica Simpson
Jessica spoke out against body shamers when she was body shamed herself for her 2007 Met Ball look. The singer took to Instagram in May to share a photo and post that addressed Vogue‘s Creative Digital Director, Sally Singer detailing that she nearly “fell out of her dress on the red carpet” during the gala. “Feeling a little like Jayne Mansfield after reading this (inaccurate!) oral history of the #MetBall where I am body shamed by #SallySinger,” Jessica wrote in the caption for her post, which featured an iconic Old Hollywood photo of actress Sophia Loren giving some apparent side-eye towards actress Jayne Mansfield, who wore a gown with a plunging neckline.
“But in all seriousness I have persevered through shaming my own body and internalizing the world’s opinions about it for my entire adult life,” she continued. “To read this much anticipated article about the classiest fashion event there is and have to be shamed by another woman for having boobs in 2020 is nauseating.”
Cardi B
Cardi B, 28, clapped back at haters who claimed she photoshopped revealing photos of herself she shared in June and she didn’t hold back. The rapper posted a flattering video of herself, which she captioned “Leave my rolls alone”, walking around in a bikini and speaking her mind about body shamers. “I know a b*** gained some weight, because I have to make the thighs match the motherf***ing a**,” she said in the clip. “But I know you b***hes ain’t talking when y’all shaped like seals. And I know y’all n***as ain’t talking when you got sisters with bison backs and y’all mothers are shaped like walruses. I know y’all ain’t body-shaming me!”
She concluded the video by hilariously talking about liposuction. “It doesn’t matter, though,” she said. “A b**** got [liposuction] money. I got lipo money!”
Iskra Lawrence
As a model, Iskra Lawrence, 30, is no stranger to being criticized for her body and she spoke out about it in an honest and bold Instagram post in Jan. 2016. The British beauty shared a bikini photo of herself that showed off her behind and captioned it with a lengthy message about the natural aspects of a woman’s body. “yeah that’s a booty and yeah it’s got some cellulite aka 🐯⚡️ tiger stripes,” she wrote in the caption before touching upon how “perfection” is “not real.”
“We don’t need to be airbrushed to ‘perfection’ it’s not real. We are more than our bodies,” she continued. “I now know my happiness comes from my loved ones my adventures travelling and learning about the world. Not by trying to live upto societies unrealistic ideals but being grateful for who I am, my health & enjoying each day. Because we are all a unique gift to the world ✨ #iskralawrence #everyBODYisbeautiful and I’m not sorry for writing paragraphs on my pics because I am more than just an image I have a voice and I will use it 🚫no airbrush 🚫no filter 🚫 no Fs given if you don’t like it lol 😛”
She also spoke to us at Beautycon in Aug. 2019 and reiterated why it’s important to not let body shamers affect one’s confidence. “I know so many people in my own life who have been body shamed so horrifically that they can’t wear bikinis,” she EXCLUSIVELY told HollywoodLife. “I want you to remember that the beach is somewhere for you to have a human experience. Feel the sand between your toes and smell the ocean, and remember those things.”
“So anything that anyone’s ever told you that you’re not worthy, you are worthy of experiencing that in whatever you want to wear,” she continued. “It’s about you being able to live your fullest life no matter what. So, those people who have ever said anything [negative] to you that’s on them, but you go do you.”
Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez, 28, has also been a victim of body shaming by the public over the past few years and she’s spoken out about the sensitive subject in interviews and social media posts. In a caption for a Mar. 2018 Instagram post, which included a video of her and her friends on a boat, she wrote an inspirational message about body image. “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,” the caption read. “I chose to take care of myself because I want to, not to prove anything to anyone. Wind in her sails. 🌈💜”