Stars Who Shut Down Haters and Proved Critics Wrong

Megan Fox
Megan’s got the power, and the press is shaking! This badass babe was born with Brachydactyly type D, a fancy term for a short thumb, and the media just couldn’t resist poking fun. They implied that her thumb was ruining her aesthetic and we’re just like, seriously?!

But Megan’s not one to back down, she’s embracing her unique features and showing the world that true beauty comes from within. You go girl!

The world can be a harsh place, especially if you’re a celebrity! Ben Affleck just wanted to enjoy some quiet time by the sea, but the media had other plans. They jumped to conclusions, assuming that he was down in the dumps and calling him “sad Ben.” And let’s not forget the article that claimed his life had become “pathetic.” All because he was just taking a moment to reflect!

Selena Gomez
Growing up in the public eye is tough, especially when it comes to your body! Selena Gomez rose to fame at a young age, and as she matured, so did her figure. But when paparazzi snapped a few shots of her rocking a pink bikini, the internet lost it. Critics body-shamed the pop star/actress and sparked a conversation about unrealistic beauty standards.

When it comes to body shaming, the internet can be a cruel place. And poor Selena Gomez is no stranger to it. After the paparazzi shots of her in a bikini hit the web, the comments started rolling in. But it wasn’t just about her weight, critics went as far as to call her a “mess” and express concern that she’d “gone off the deep end.” All from a few candid shots of a young woman embracing her body? It’s time to ditch these unrealistic beauty standards and celebrate every body, just like Selena is doing.

Jennifer Aniston
Okay folks, it’s time to have a talk about a sensitive topic: asking women if they’re pregnant. It’s a no-no, plain and simple. Unless you see a baby’s head actually emerging, it’s best to keep any assumptions to yourself. And don’t even think about asking Jennifer Aniston, she’s been dealing with this for far too long and has some serious thoughts on the matter. So, let’s learn from her wisdom and show some respect for women’s bodies and choices, shall we?

Attention everyone, Jennifer Aniston is speaking out and she’s had enough! The actress is done with the constant barrage of “journalism” that thinks it’s okay to scrutinize her every move under the guise of the First Amendment and celebrity news. And in case you were wondering, no, she’s not pregnant. But she is fired up and ready to call out the BS.

Matt LeBlanc
People were shocked when they saw Matt LeBlanc on the Friends reunion show – not only because it had been almost 20 years since they last saw him, but because his appearance had changed drastically. So, he gained a bit of weight, so what?

It’s time to break the stereotype that people have a certain ‘look’ when they’re struggling – whether emotionally or mentally – and it’s time to stop judging people based on their physical appearance. We must remember that everyone is unique and everyone’s journey with mental health is just as unique.

Beyoncé
Yes, even Queen Bey, the bee’s knees of pop stardom, faces critiques and ‘haters’ from time to time – and while other celebrities might have crumbled under the pressure, Queen B turned her naysayers’ words into something beautiful. Drawing inspiration from the haters, she created the hit “Bootylicious” – which still makes us want to get up and groove after all these years!

Not only is this track a testament to Bey’s resilience and creativity, but it serves as a reminder that if you put your mind to it, you can turn negativity into something truly spectacular.

Rihanna
There’s no denying that Rihanna’s every look and style choice sets the tone for what is cool, fashionable, and trending – but one journalist took it a step too far when they speculated that Rihanna’s body size was going to make being heavy the ‘hot new trend’. While it is important to recognize that Rihanna’s influence is immense and powerful, it is also essential to remember that her body size – and bodies of all sizes – should not be used as a trend or a source of inspiration that others must emulate.

But of course, RiRi clapped back with the perfect response, “If you can’t handle me at my 2007 Gucci Mane, you don’t deserve me at my 2017 Gucci Mane.” This quote quickly went viral, and we saw variations of it all over our timelines and feeds for months! Talk about poetic justice!

Lady Gaga
When Lady Gaga graced the stage of the 2017 Super Bowl, she put on a jaw-dropping performance – but unfortunately, it was her body that ended up stealing the spotlight. Gaga is by no means ‘chunky’, however, her shorts for that show didn’t fit her properly, prompting people to feel the need to comment and critique her wardrobe choices.

Instead of recognizing that Gaga’s wardrobe stylist got the wrong size shorts, people chose to use this mistake as an excuse to fat-shame and point out that the pop star should lose weight. This totally missed the bigger picture – which was that Gaga’s shorts were a poor fit, and had everything to do with the garment, and nothing to do with her body. We must remind ourselves that each and every body is beautiful, and that clothes don’t always have to perfectly fit our body type in order for us to look stunning.

Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish has always had a unique sense of style. Her famous baggy clothes look, and chill attitude have definitely drawn some criticism for not being “feminine” enough. However, the singer’s style should be celebrated because it’s a reminder that being feminine doesn’t necessarily mean adhering to certain “standards”.

No woman should be judged or criticized for the way she chooses to dress. Billie Eilish is showing the world that it’s okay to step away from traditional definitions of femininity, and that self-expression and personal style should be embraced.

Britney Spears
Britney Spears has been in the public eye since being a kid, and unfortunately, the press has been relentless in their criticism of the pop star over the years. Now, they’ve found a new reason to critique Britney – her body. But here’s a newsflash, Britney is a walking powerhouse! She’s performed for hours on end every show, proving to everyone that she’s an incredible performer, no matter what her shape or size may be.

It’s time to stop all the unnecessary bashing and start celebrating the talents and capabilities of Britney Spears. Let’s take a moment to appreciate this pop star extraordinaire, and all the others out there who are proving that you don’t have to look a certain way to kick butt!

Christina Aguilera
Christina Aguilera is a force to be reckoned with and being a mom didn’t stop her from continuing to slay the stage and put out amazing albums. But while the singer was balancing motherhood and her career, the press decided to focus on entirely the wrong thing, her looks.

What they seemed to forget is that post-pregnancy, all bodies can look different, and that these changes are completely natural. Instead of criticizing Christina, we should be celebrating her, and the fact that she continues to be an incredible role model for all of us. So, let’s all take a moment to appreciate Christina Aguilera, and all of the other working moms out there who are creating a better future for their families, and showing the world what it really means to be beautiful.

Kelly Clarkson
Kelly Clarkson is a superstar, and her success only continues to skyrocket with each passing album. But it seems like the media just can’t keep their eyes off her bod – and not in a good way. After posting pictures of herself during her pregnancy, tabloids tried to make a thing out of the fact that her body had changed. Um, what did they expect?

Of course, your body is going to look different when you’re expecting a child! Pregnancy is a normal and natural process, and how a woman looks during this time shouldn’t be cause for media scrutiny. Let’s appreciate Kelly Clarkson and all the hardworking moms out there!

Camila Cabello
Camila has been slaying the music industry for years, but despite her success, the tabloids just can’t seem to get off her case! As Camila’s body has changed over the years, they’ve zeroed in on any minor differences they could find. But the singer responded very simply, noting that she looks like a regular 25-year-old woman.

No one should be shamed for their body changing over the years; that just comes with being alive! So, let’s appreciate Camila Cabello and all other strong women who are unapologetically embracing their bodies. Let’s show the world what it really means to be empowered and beautiful!

Jennifer Hudson
Hudson has dealt with more than her fair share of unsolicited criticism. When the singer first rose to fame on American Idol, she was shamed for being too big. But then, when she made the decision to get healthy for her son by losing some weight, the media decided she was too skinny.

It’s unfair that Jennifer Hudson has to put up with this continuous scrutiny. Let’s take a moment to celebrate Jennifer and all the strong women out there who are unapologetically embracing their bodies!

Khloé Kardashian
Khloé Kardashian has been dragged through the mud by the press for too long. Not only was she constantly labeled the “ugly” Kardashian, but when she made the decision to get plastic surgery, she was then judged for it! And now, Khloé’s weight has become the issue. The reality star has faced criticism from both sides.

Kardashian should be able to make decisions about her body without facing judgment. Let’s show the world that we don’t need to conform to society’s standards in order to be beautiful and show our support for body diversity!

Florence Pugh
Recently Florence Pugh stepped out wearing a sheer dress that showed off her chest, and unfortunately, it became an open invitation for commentary. No one should be shamed for their body, no matter how much skin is or isn’t showing.

Women everywhere face enough pressure to conform to society’s standards of beauty, we don’t need to add to it. The actress responded was a comeback of her own. Good for her!

Chloe Cherry
Chloe Cherry, the overnight star following her breakout role on HBO’s hit series Euphoria, has naturally full lips that most people can only dream of getting through cosmetic treatments. Ironically, the public has now decided that her lips are “too much,” but we have to wonder how many of those same people routinely seek lip injections to get that same fullness. It’s clear that there is a double standard when it comes to how society perceives a woman’s body.

While it’s understandable that fame often comes with increased scrutiny, it’s important to remember that no woman should be shamed for how she looks.

Bethenny Frankel
The Real Housewives of New York City star Bethenny Frankel is telling it how it is! She says this to her haters, “My favorite is people telling me that I’ve aged and that I don’t look how I used to…Ummm yeah, wait…am I doing it wrong? Are we not all aging?”.

Couldn’t have said it better myself! Way to shut down the haters and hit them with the truth Bethenny! You got this girl!

Victoria Beckham
One mean critic made an unkind observation about Victoria Beckham’s appearance upon seeing a recent photo of her, saying that the famed fashion designer had “joined the wrinkly hand club” – a list that includes Sarah Jessica Parker, Courteney Cox, and Madonna.

It goes without saying that this kind of criticism is unhelpful and unnecessary, particularly when aimed at strong, successful women.

Sarah Jessica Parker
It’s clear that women are held to a higher standard when it comes to their appearances. Sarah Jessica Parker is a prime example!

Despite looking perfectly normal to the average person, she’s constantly criticized for her looks. In fact, a whole segment on Family Guy even poked fun at her appearance! Can you believe that?!

Tyra Banks
When a photo of Tyra Banks in a swimsuit circulated online and drew criticism for her body, the supermodel expertly put her critics in their place! She promptly went on The Tyra Banks Show and wore the exact same swimsuit she was photographed in! She proved that the image had been unflattering. It happens even to the best of us!

Even better, she dared her critics to kiss the very part of her body they had been insulting! Now, that’s how you do it! Let’s remind the world that there is beauty and strength in all bodies!

Kate Winslet
When Titanic became a global phenomenon, Kate Winslet unfortunately became the butt of many jokes about her size in the iconic door scene. What many people fail to realize is that her size was never an issue until society deemed it so.

Despite being warned by her drama teacher that she should have to settle for thick sidekick roles, Kate Winslet went on to become one of the most successful actresses of our generation! She showed them by winning an Oscar! Wow!

Scarlett Johannson
In what world is it newsworthy that an adult woman has cellulite? Scarlett Johannson is just like the rest of us, she has imperfections, so what?

But instead of being embraced for her body, she’s been subjected to tabloids that zoomed in on a photo of her with cellulite on her thighs. All I can say is, this isn’t okay.

Jonah Hill
Jonah Hill has constantly been attacked by the press for his weight, even now that he has slimmed down. He has demonstrated such maturity and growth with his recent response.

He simply said, “I know you mean well but I kindly ask that you not comment on my body, good or bad, I want to politely let you know it’s not helpful and doesn’t feel good. Much respect.” Such a role model for us all!

Amy Schumer
Amy Schumer wants us to know that having zero shame in your game is the key to success. Through her comedy, Amy has taught us to be proud of our bodies and unabashedly embrace our individual beauty.

She has proven that no matter what anyone else says, you can still be confident in yourself and your own choices.

Melissa McCarthy
When people make rude comments about Melissa McCarthy’s weight under the guise of concern for her health, she reminds all of us that there is no need for hatred. Melissa doesn’t have time for haters or their nastiness, and she is a true inspiration for showing us how to stand up for ourselves and refuse to accept to accept hateful behavior.

Here’s to all the inspiring women who are unapologetically embracing their individual beauty and strength – together, let’s create a world in which beauty comes in all shapes and sizes!

Cameron Diaz
Back in the day when Cameron Diaz and Justin Timberlake had recently called it quits, and an unflattering paparazzi photo of the actress started circulating in the press.

Instead of feeling shame or embarrassment, Cameron has embraced her body as it is – cellulite, stretch marks, and all. We should all follow her lead!

Sarah Hyland
Sarah Hyland, star of the hit show Modern Family, has unfortunately been the subject of much criticism for her small frame. But her weight was due to her health struggles and kidney transplant.

Instead of being able to focus on her recovery, Sarah was thrust into an uncomfortable position where she had to explain why her body had changed to the world. This is a perfect example of how the unrealistic beauty standards imposed on us can be damaging and oppressive, and just how deep-rooted these standards are in our society.

Ariel Winter
Ariel Winter, another star from the hit show Modern Family, has also received criticism in the media. People made inappropriate comments and judgements when her body started to develop, and when her weight naturally changed as she grew, which is completely normal and fine!

Instead of body-shaming her, let’s focus on celebrating Ariel for embracing her beauty and inner strength. Let’s create a world in which everyone can confidently show their true selves without fear of judgement or criticism. Now that’s something worth aiming for!

Simone Biles
Simone Biles, Olympic gymnast extraordinaire, has unfortunately been the target of controversy over her hair. Simone had the perfect response to all the criticism, “I have one question to everyone commenting about my hair when I genuinely look happy in the photo. Do you look perfect ALL the time?”.

Absolutely love that response! Way to tell them! No one looks perfect all the time, and that’s okay. Plus, who cares? She’s an Olympian for crying out loud!

Serena Williams
Serena Williams is known around the world for being an amazing athlete, so it’s quite normal to expect her to have muscle. But the internet trolls have nothing better to do than to criticize this talented woman about her looks.

Honestly at this point it doesn’t make any sense. You’re either too fat, too thin, and now too healthy? Geez, give me a break!

Chrissy Teigen
When Chrissy Teigen posted a swimsuit photo of herself on social media, the amount of backlash was endless. Can you believe people on the internet said she looked like Spongebob? What are they talking about?

But no problem Teigen fought back in the best way possible, she shut them down with positivity, ” I’m happy, John’s happy, we all happy and doing a-okay!”.

Gabourey Sidibe
Gabourey Sidibe was a picture of beauty when she stepped onto the red carpet of the 2014 Golden Globe Awards in her shimmery gown. But sadly, some nasty comments regarding her weight soon followed. This would’ve been enough to bring anyone down, let alone someone who is constantly bombarded with messages about how they should look.

But instead of letting the haters win, Gabourey just responded with this, “To people making mean comments about my GG pics, I most def cried about it on that private jet on my way to my dream job last night.” Yes Queen!

Ashley Graham
Ashley Graham, American supermodel, knows a thing or two about the cruelty of the internet. Almost every picture she posts on social media draws endless trolls and criticism. This can be really tough to endure, especially when all too often, we’re brought up to believe that we need to fit a certain ‘ideal’ beauty standard to be ‘acceptable’. But Ashley Graham is here to say that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes.

Graham posted this response online, “When I post a photo from a ‘good angle,’ I receive criticism for looking smaller and selling out. When I post photos showing my cellulite, stretch marks, and rolls, I’m accused of promoting obesity.” Man, she can’t catch a break!

Wentworth Miller
Wentworth Miller, the star of Prison Break, has been open about his struggles with his mental health and his battle with depression. The actor also revealed that part of his healing journey was to turn to food for comfort. But rather than having some sympathy for the actor’s struggles, the internet instead created a cruel meme which compared two photos of the actor with a thoughtless caption. It’s not okay to make fun of someone for their mental or emotional issues.

Miller showed immense courage and strength when he faced the trolls and took the opportunity to educate people about mental health and the importance of being kind to one another. We should all be kinder to each other and show understanding and compassion to those facing difficult times. #BeCompassionate

Emma Stone
Stone is one of those celebs who’s constantly caught in the crosshairs of internet trolls. No matter her size, she faces criticism from who ridicule her for being too slim or too curvy. But, Stone just ignores them all!

Emma Stone clapped back with this, “I’ve seen a lot of comments that say, ‘Eat a sandwich’ or ‘She looks sick.’ I’ve been looking at myself in the mirror, being mean to myself. I’m not sick. I eat sandwiches.” Just let her be!

50 Cent
50 Cent has been fortunate enough to stay relevant and in the limelight for over 20 years, since his famed single “Lil Bit” came out. 50 Cent was met with shock and criticism when people noticed that his body had changed over the years. But the rapper clarified that the criticism doesn’t bother him.

It goes to show that despite getting older, it’s possible to stay young at heart and to stay current and thriving in your field. We should all strive to love ourselves and accept ourselves at any age!

Kourtney Kardashian
Kourtney Kardashian recently became the target of trolls who assumed her curves meant she must be pregnant. Why must celebrities be judged and scrutinized for every little change in their bodies?

Kardashian recently had to defend herself after a fan assumed she was pregnant. She calmly responded that she’s a woman with a “BODY”! We are all beautiful! #LoveYourBody #BeBold #CelebrateYourCurves

Over the years, the media’s criticisms of Madonna have shifted from her weight to her age. As if aging is something to be ashamed of. Despite this, Madonna continues to proudly take ownership of her age and is showing the world that you can get older and still be confident!