Fitness expert Jillian Michaels got a reminder this week that informed opinions are not allowed in this age of social media after she weighed in on Lizzo’s health.
“Why are we celebrating her body? Why does it matter? That’s what I’m saying,” she said in a conversation with BuzzFeed’s AM to DM. “Like why aren’t we celebrating her music? 'Cause it isn’t gonna be awesome if she gets diabetes.”
Michaels said she and her kids loves the “Truth Hurts” singer’s music but “there’s never a moment when I’m like, ‘I’m so glad she’s overweight.’”
The personal trainer best known for starring on The Biggest Loser said it’s not OK 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
And… go!
“If that isn’t fat shaming I don’t know what is,” tweeted Jenn Reimer of Calgary. “You had no right to comment on someone else’s body, no one does. As a ‘professional’ trainer you should know how damaging this is. Do better.”
Toronto dietician Michelle Allison tweeted: “hi, you’re wrong and you're hurting people.”
“Eqating (sic) fat with automatically being unhealthy & slim with being healthy is inaccurate & incredibly dangerous,” tweeted author JR Yussuf. “Fat people deserve to exist without the pressure to change their size or *health.* Fat people don't need to desire to change their bodies to be deserving of dignity.”
According to Mx. Amadi, “Jillian Michaels came to prominence torturing fat people on television for entertainment. She is loudly and proudly anti-fat because otherwise she can’t make money. Her living depends on anti-fat bigotry.”
Actress Jameela Jamil shared: “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.”
(Some people expressed their outrage without taking too close of a look at the details, prompting this tweet from singer-songwriter Julia Michaels: “Guys.. my name is julia. Not Jillian.”)
Guys.. my name is julia. Not Jillian.
— Julia Michaels (@juliamichaels) January 9, 2020
But many, like Mykell Wilson, had Michaels’ back.
“I dont (sic) think your tone toward Lizzo was judgmental, It was honest. Even if she is healthy at her size, most aren’t and we shouldn’t promote unhealthy lifestyles. In this case, sizes,” he tweeted. “Don’t let these overly sensitive social media bullies make your statement more than it is.”
@OneWritersLife shared: “Thank you for having an opinion. You're allowed to have one and not start an ‘apology tour’ for it...people are crazy.”
Michaels took to Twitter late on Wednesday to double down on her comments. “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.
“I would never wish these for ANYONE and I would hope we prioritize our health because we LOVE ourselves and our bodies.”
— Jillian Michaels (@JillianMichaels) January 9, 2020
There has been no public response from Lizzo, who announced this week that she is stepping away from Twitter because there are “too many trolls.”
Last month, she clapped back at social commentator Dr. Boyce Watkins after days of being taunted about her weight and appearance.
On Dec. 20, Watkins opined on Twitter that the “Good As Hell” singer is popular “because there is an obesity epidemic in America. Rather than encouraging people to do better, we are simply lying to them and telling them that they are just fine the way they are. Unfortunately, Many of these people are dying from diabetes and heart disease.”
Lizzo fired back: “I’m popular because I write good songs and I’m talented and perform high energy hour and a half shows filled with love. The only person who needs to do better is you. Keep my name out ya mouth & look in the mirror before you come for me. Here’s the attention you ordered.”