Jillian Michaels Under Fire for Comments About Lizzo's Body
Michaels appeared on BuzzFeed's online morning show AM2DM yesterday (January 8), and when the host brought up symbols of body acceptance like Lizzo and Ashley Graham, the trainer was less than supportive.
"Why are we celebrating her body?" she said. "Why does it matter? Why aren't we celebrating her music? 'Cause it isn't gonna be awesome if she gets diabetes."
.@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 fans and body positivity advocates quickly leapt into the conversation, berating Michaels for her "fatphobic" comments.
The Good Place actor Jameela Jamil argued that size isn't always an indication of health and suggested that Michaels stop "acting like she's an MRI."
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. 🚮 https://t.co/2fKVJrkWm3
— Jameela Jamil 🌈 (@jameelajamil) January 8, 2020
Honestly can the world just get off Lizzo's dick already? The woman can outrun, out dance, out sing, out sex, out earn and out do most of the wastes of space who pointlessly take time out of their day to criticize her. You aren't fit to lick her designer boots. Just fuck off.
— Jameela Jamil 🌈 (@jameelajamil) January 9, 2020
Others also pointed to Lizzo's onstage stamina and positive message as an indication that she's healthy.
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.
— 🐺Mira (@LostWolfling) January 8, 2020
Just gonna leave this here for you @JillianMichaels pic.twitter.com/E5b0C4YXNz
— Ally 🏒🎬🧜🏽♀️🌈🔮 (@nametags) January 8, 2020
We celebrate @Lizzo's body because she inhabits it with love & teaches us to do the same. She holds concerts that involve hours of singing, dancing & athleticism in a body that society has long profited off hating & stereotyping. Every body deserves compassion & celebration. 💞 https://t.co/aKvSaIw89F
— Sharanya Haridas (@haridassharanya) January 8, 2020
Michaels has since attempted to clarify her position, but the extended note she shared on social media is only fuelling her detractors more.
— Jillian Michaels (@JillianMichaels) January 9, 2020