Lili Reinhart is the latest celebrity to fall victim to the rumor mill, after some claimed she looked pregnant in a recent photo. That, combined with Cole Sprouse’s recent, and completely in character I might add, tweet, the internet immediately jumped to the conclusion that Sprouse got Reinhart pregnant.
I cant wait to be a mommy someday
— Cole M. Sprouse (@colesprouse) May 13, 2018
Instead of playing into the drama, or deciding to ignore it, Reinhart took the opportunity to remind everyone about why it’s not OK to body shame women. On her Instagram story, the actress posted a series of photos explaining to others as to why they should not be spending time obsessing over her body.
“My body is something that I will NEVER apologize for” Reinhart continued. “My body will constantly go through change. And so will yours. And that’s fine. So let’s not put so much time and effort into caring about a stranger’s figure”.
The Riverdale star standing up for herself is a great reminder to everyone that the people they judge on the internet are real, and body shaming is never acceptable. Reinhart’s costar, Camila Mendes, also took to her Instagram Story in response to the rumors. “Inspired by you @lilireinhart,” Mendes shared. “I feel bloated 24/7, my weight fluctuates constantly, it comes with being a woman and should be celebrated, not criticized.”
Mendes continued, “I used to fear the day that people start publicly criticizing my body and commenting on my weight. I’ve suffered too much from my own self criticism, and wasn’t sure that i could handle it from others. But seeing somebody as beautiful as Lili respond to public scrutiny by preaching and practicing self-love is all it takes for me to overcome that fear. Proud to call her my friend. Let’s continue inspiring women to love their bodies.”
Reinhart and Mendes’ off-screen friendship is now setting the bar for where we should all be. The way Reinhart stands up for herself, and Mendes stands with her, is the perfect example of how we can all spread positivity instead of tearing each other down over something as silly as looking a little bit bloated in a photo.