Lauren Ash had enough of the unnecessary opinions about her body and weight loss. The Canadian actress from the popular sitcom ‘Superstore‘ took to her Instagram page recently to respond to the backlash.
She wrote a message to those that commented on her weight loss in her recent photos. Ash noted that she never once claimed to be a role model or used her platform to promote weight loss. She also viewed the comments from the point of view that people were being sexist towards her.
Keep scrolling to find out more.
Lauren Ash Was Upset
Ash first responded to those that showed false concern about her health when she was bigger. She noted that now that she had lost some weight, people still claimed to be concerned, and it was frustrating.
View this post on Instagram
“You know what’s fun? When you’re living in a larger body, people post that they’re concerned for your health. Then, when you transition into a smaller body, people post that they’re concerned for your health,” she said. Then she attacked them for being sexist, “Starting to feel like there’s no winning as a woman.” She added, referring to the new Abortion ruling by the Supreme Court “(Big shocker given this past week in America).”
Ash also addressed the tons of messages she got from people saying she wasn’t a role model anymore because she lost weight. She said, “To the people who have DMed me this week telling me I’m no longer a role model because I lost weight, I guess my question is, why was my body the only thing that gave me value as a role model?”
She also said that she had never posted weight-related content or promoted weight loss, and she would never. “I just happen to be in a body that’s smaller right now than it was a year ago,” she said. “And god willing, if I’m privileged enough to walk this earth for a long life, my body will expand and contract and change many times over.”
Ash Said There Was No Secret
While Ash doesn’t regret her weight loss, she wants it to be clear that she will not be giving out weight loss tips or advice. She then addressed the “COUNTLESS” fans asking for the secret to her weight loss and begged them to stop.
View this post on Instagram
She said simply, “There is no secret.” Then added, “I removed stress from my life. That’s it. It’s amazing what our bodies hold onto when in a prolonged state of stress.” The actress always posted pictures of her body, didn’t show signs of quitting, and fans supported her in the comments.
An Instagram user said, “Everyone shut up, an Icon is giving lessons for free. You are a role model for taking care of YOU & your own happiness first!” another added, “We all need to do more of that.”
Why Some Fans Were Upset
Several other celebrities have faced post-weight-loss criticism, and recently, Australian actress and comedian Rebel Wilson was a victim. Fans responded similarly to her weight loss by saying they felt “betrayed” by the changes since it could influence the other plus-sized and “body positive” stars to lose weight as well.
A Twitter user recently wrote, “I pray Lizzo doesn’t jump on the whole ‘getting skinny after fame’ trend,” and referred to stars that have gotten smaller as losses. “We lost Adele, Rebel Wilson, Meghan Trainer, and Melissa McCarthy,” they continued.
Author and body-positive expert Virgie Tovar spoke to Yahoo life earlier on the subject and explained why some fans feel betrayed. She noted that the anger and hurt might stem from the feeling that celebrities use their closeness to the community of body-positivity people to get famous, and once they’re successful, they abandon it by losing weight.
Ash Will Keep Posting
Ash concluded her post by saying this: “Finally, let me just say this: I have always posted photos celebrating my body. I’m not going to stop now. I’m more confident and happier than ever before in my life and I enjoy commemorating that with fashion posts and all that fun stuff.”
View this post on Instagram
She asked fans upset by her posts and opinion to unfollow her immediately. She also expressed that she never expected the backlash she received in the past week for simply losing some weight.
She continued, “You have no ownership over my body. Nor do you over any person in the public eye. And honestly? Would you ever tell a man he was no longer a role model because he lost weight? Exactly. Thanks for coming to my TED Talk.” She added, “Also, I look hot AF in this pic and am unashamed.”
View this post on Instagram
