Celebrities and their bodies are under constant scrutiny, and it's even more intense for women. Criticism and concern for bodies seems to come with the territory of being female, which is frustrating to say the least. Now, another actor is making headlines for her changing body. Modern Family star Sarah Hyland defended her weight on Twitter Wednesday, after she said people took to Instagram claiming she was "promoting anorexia."
"I'd like to address something that has been brought up on Twitter but has been HEAVILY discussed by all of you in my Instagram comments. That something is my weight," the 26-year-old wrote. She continued:
I normally don't comment on things like this because it draws attention to those trying to spread negativity but I'm here to explain a few things and spread love. Here goes… I haven't had the greatest year. Maybe one day I'll talk about it but for now, I'd like my privacy. I will say this year has brought a lot of changes and with that, physical changes.
Hyland did not go into detail, nor did she say whether what her body has undergone has anything to do with the kidney transplant she had in May 2012 after suffering from kidney dysplasia. However, she explained, "I have been told I can't work out." She said that not being able to exercise is upsetting for her, because she loves to be active and stay strong "both mentally and physically." The actor also revealed that over "the past few months" she's "basically been on bed rest," which has caused her to lose "muscle mass." She said, "My circumstances have put me in a place where I'm not in control of what my body looks like."
Hyland said it's important for her to address the harsh responses she's been receiving for the sake of other young women. She wrote, "I write this because I've been accused of promoting anorexia in, ironically enough, an anti-bullying post. And I want young girls to know that's not my intention."
In regards to the "anti-bullying post," Hyland is referring to a photo she shared on Instagram Tuesday of herself wearing a T-shirt featuring the face of her boyfriend, Shadowhunters' Dominic Sherwood. "I posted a picture of my boyfriend's apparel line, in which part of the proceeds go to the anti-bully alliance, and in return am bullied." She further explained,
Which made me laugh, but then it dawned on me that young girls are reading posts that are saying that I'm promoting anorexia due to my weight. While these comments don't affect me, they may affect others. So I'm here to say that no one should aim to be the weight that I am at right now.
The fact that Hyland felt she had to address her weight at all is unfortunate. No one should ever have defend their physical appearance. A person's body shouldn't be up for discussion, especially if they're going through health issues or struggling with an eating disorder. It's really nobody's business, unless the individual in question wants to make what they're going through public.
An outsider who only knows Hyland as a celebrity on social media may be concerned that the image she posted will influence other women and young girls, especially if they admire her and want to emulate her body. But that's true for anyone someone may idolize, and is an issue outside of Hyland's situation. No one should ever strive to look exactly like someone else, but should embrace themselves for who they are.
That's something Hyland made clear in her note on Twitter: "So I'm here to say that no one should aim to be the weight that I am at right now." She also said, "Love the you you set out to be. Be the best version of yourself. Be healthy." Those are some powerful words that should absolutely be taken to heart.
It's easy for people to sit behind their computer, phone, and tablet screens making comments about someone's body and to say that a person is "promoting anorexia." They don't suffer the consequences, but the individual who is under fire does, and that's not OK.
Hyland has now had to defend herself, when she shouldn't have had to in the first place. None of us know exactly what she is going through or feeling, so to claim that she's not only battling an eating disorder but also encouraging others to follow in her footsteps is taking it way too far. And all of this stemmed from one single photo that the ABC star was trying to use to promote good.
Thankfully, the negativity sent her way hasn't affected Hyland. "My self confidence is not rendered from your comments," she said. "Because I will always be too fat. I will always be too skinny. I will never have enough curves to be called a woman. And I will always be a slut for wearing a push up bra." Isn't that truth? No matter what, she will never be able to please everyone.
