TW: Discussion of Disordered Eating, Body Image and Weight-Loss

In a time where weight-loss jabs and discussion around celebrities’ bodies are ever-present topics of conversation, making headlines not just in magazines but all over our media, the scrutiny faced by the cast of Wicked is unsurprising.

While the questions from fans are often framed as concern, the media’s obsession with body-policing has people wondering if their concern is well placed. The media’s role in body shaming has been present for years and famously targeting actresses such as Kate Winslet and Nicola Coughlan. The growing prevalence of ‘skinny-tok’ and acceptance of diet culture and body-shaming in many aspects of social media, however subtle or overt it may come across, has put body image in the forefront of many people’s minds.

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, stars of the Wicked films, have undeniably undergone a significant physical change, the weight-loss especially noticeable to worried fans since Wicked: For Good was released in November. But despite any good intentions, can commenting on other people’s bodies be anything but harmful, and is it appropriate to do so in the first place?

While I acknowledge the hypocrisy of this statement in an article discussing the reception of their weight-loss, the culture online currently is one that feels entitled to comment on other’s bodies. Ariana Grande in particular has experienced constant body-policing from a young age since her role as Cat in the popular Nickelodeon series Victorious put her in the public eye. Her body, both on and off screen, has been documented by paparazzi and gossip magazines for most of her life in a manner few would be inclined to defend or deem acceptable in today’s society. So why the change of heart?

I would argue that if the actresses had gained weight instead, many of the fans in question would call out media outlets for any comments they may have made. Grande personally spoke about her fears for the ‘dangerous’ messages that commenting on anyone’s body, not least a celebrity’s, sends. In an interview with French webseries ‘Oui Oui Baguette’ she said that the ‘comfortability’ of our society with ‘commenting on others’ looks, appearance, what they think is going on behind the scenes, or health or how they present themselves’ is disrespectful and dangerous, regardless of how much they are in the public eye, or the intentions of those commenting are sincere. Erivo sat silently next to her during this emotional moment, holding her hand in support. She has since stayed silent on the subject for the most part which, for me, only reinforces the stance that her body is ultimately her own and any comments about it are likely to be far more damaging than helpful. As Grande says, we as onlookers do not know what is going on in their lives and any comments on a person’s body, whether positive or negative, may have unintentional consequences such as strengthening an unhealthy behaviour or reinforcing a body insecurity. To me, this only goes to show the campaign of body-positivity in the 2010s has well and truly disappeared. Maybe, with all the 2016 throwbacks this year, it can make a well-deserved comeback.

Wicked is a film that has been watched by and marketed towards young girls, and many share my worries about the impact that having the two main characters having a dramatic and visible weight loss between the two films may have. It has been well documented that the two films were shot back-to-back and so this weight-loss has happened in a startlingly small time-frame. It is no wonder then that the comments from fans have predominantly centred around worries that the actresses are experiencing disordered eating and poor health as a result. I’m worried about the inadvertent glorification of ‘dangerously’ thin body types that may occur when these characters are looked to as role-models. As I have made clear, I do believe that both Erivo and Grande, and indeed everyone, deserves to be able to govern their own body without scrutiny or comment but with their high-profile positions there should also be an awareness of the impact on their audiences. That isn’t to say that it is necessarily the actresses’ fault, but parents may need to start a conversation with their children or at the very least keep an eye out for any signs that their child is internalising the current discussion around weight and body-image. 

I will concede that the conversations around Wicked weight-loss by fans do seem to come from a place of concern. With the looming presence of diet culture, one that has been well-documented for its persistence in Hollywood, these concerns are not unfounded, and the position celebrities are put in as role models should be considered. However, while fans may express their worry, I do believe they must also remember that these women are able to make their own decisions. As Grande says, they will have their own loved ones to look out for them and if they are unhealthy at their current weight, it is those people who can support them, it is not our place to comment. It is the role of the media and fans to approach the subject with sensitivity and, if possible, to avoid any unsolicited comments on other’s bodies as it is generally none of our business.

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