In today’s social media-driven world, someone is always watching for a like or a comment, a follow or an unfollow, or a deleted post.
On Sunday, Pretty Little Liars star Lucy Hale took to Instagram to celebrate Father’s Day with a picture of her and her dad. The picture appeared to be from a formal event, possibly a few years ago. However, the cute dad-daughter pic wasn’t the only thing her followers took notice of. In the comments section of her picture, Hale said to hair stylist Scotty Cunha, “ugh I was so fat.”
Refinery29 shared in an article about Hale’s post that “fat” is a body type, not an insult. Also, “fat” is not an accurate description of Lucy’s body in this picture.
In a screenshot from the comments section of Lucy’s post, as seen on The Daily Mail, one Instagram user reminded Hale that she’s a role model for many young girls, and talking negatively and inaccurately about her body does nothing to promote their self esteem. “‘Fat’? You look a healthy size. Joking or nit [sic], you should be aware if [sic] your audience and recognize that kids look up to you and when trying to immulate [sic] you they could possibly be looking in the mirror saying ‘ugh, I’m so fat.'”
Hale has since deleted the comment and apologized on Twitter. “Sometimes I forget that people are watching everything I do and I say things I don’t mean,” Lucy wrote. “I’m extremely sorry if my comment about my weight offended anyone. Sometimes we can be our own worst enemy. I know people look up to me and I should be way more aware of what I say sometimes. Thanks for all the love and support. Hope y’all can forgive me!”
Sometimes I forget that people are watching everything I do and I say things I don’t mean. I’m extremely sorry if my comment about my weight
— Lucy Hale (@lucyhale) June 20, 2017
Offended anyone. Sometimes we can be our own worst enemy. I know people look up to me and I should be way more aware of what I say sometimes
— Lucy Hale (@lucyhale) June 20, 2017
Thanks for all the love and support. Hope y’all can forgive me !
— Lucy Hale (@lucyhale) June 20, 2017
Lucy handled this situation with grace by owning up to her mistakes and apologizing, and she has reminded us of the importance of embracing all body types—because we are all beautiful.