Entertainment

Stars lash out at Michelle Bridges for ‘fat shaming’ comments

Rodio hosts Chrissie Swan and Meshel Laurie are no strangers to criticism, but when they heard Biggest Loser trainer Michelle Bridges comments about “fat people” they felt they had to set the record straight.

Michelle came under fire yesterday for comments about obese people, saying “I’m yet to meet someone who is morbidly obese and happy.”

Michelle appeared on ABC’s Australian Story where she spoke about her work on the Biggest Loser and as a private fitness trainer.

“It might be seen that I have this agenda on people who are overweight or people who are deemed fat,” Michelle told the ABC.

“Honestly, if you are happy where you are, more power to you.

“But I can tell you, I’m yet to meet someone who is morbidly obese and happy.”

Chrissie and Meshal who both openly discussed their weight in the past said they were mortified and angry when they heard what Ms Bridges had said.

Speaking on her radio show, Chrissie said she has known Michelle for years and couldn’t believe what she was hearing.

“Hi, Michelle, if you are listening, remember me? I’ve known you for years. We have met many, many times. You can take it back now. I’m happy.”

She said it was “equally ridiculous” to view all obese people as jovial, adding: “All we are saying is you should not judge someone’s entire character by what they look like.”

Meshal also hit back saying she is perfectly happy with herself, no matter what size she is.

“[Michelle is] in the business of meeting people who have come to her because they are unhappy,” she said.

She also told a story about a conversation she had recently had with her young son.

“He said to me, ‘mummy, you’re fat’. I said, ‘Yeah … and that’s OK. I’m really happy. I’m a really happy person’. I meant it from the absolute pit of my soul,” she said.

“I’m such a lucky person. I’ve got two arms that work, two legs that work. A brain that’s sharp.

“It is actually possible to be fat and happy, I promise you.”

It wasn’t just the celebrities who hit back either.

Many people took to social media to vent their frustration at Michelle’s comments and branded her as “ignorant” for saying such a thing.

Also throwing her hat into the ring was former Biggest Loser host Ajay Rochester, who told Michelle to “cut the crap”.

“Do NOT let this woman tell you that you are not worthy simply because of your weight or the space you take up. That’s her problem not yours,” Ajay wrote on her blog.

Michelle is yet to address the backlash.

What are you thoughts on this issue?

Are you happy within yourself no matter what your size? Have you struggled with your weight and image?

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