Whoopi Goldberg defends Lizzo after rapper faces body-shaming: ‘I’m thrilled that she’s a big-figured woman’

Television personality Jillian Michaels recently accused of body-shaming Lizzo

Whoopi Goldberg has jumped to Lizzo‘s defence after the rapper recently faced a spat of body-shaming, saying she is “thrilled” the musician is a “big-figured woman”.

During a recent interview with BuzzFeed News, television personality Jillian Michaels questioned why people are “celebrating” Lizzo’s body, stating: “Why does it matter? Why aren’t we celebrating her music? ‘Cause it isn’t going to be awesome if she gets diabetes.”

Michaels’ comments sparked a huge backlash, with several people condemning the personal trainer for insinuating that people with larger physiques are inherently less healthy than those with slimmer figures.

Goldberg is among those who have demonstrated their support for Lizzo, speaking about the issue during Thursday’s episode of American talk show The View.

The Sister Act star’s discussed the topic of conversation with her fellow panellists, including comedian Joy Behar.

“We’re not celebrating her body,” Behar stated at the beginning of the discussion. “I’m celebrating the fact that she likes her body, that she’s comfortable with herself. That’s what’s good.”

However, Goldberg voiced her opposition to Behar’s choice of wording.

“I don’t think there’s a difference,” the 64-year-old said. “I think I'm celebrating her body – I’m thrilled that she’s a big-figured woman.

“I’m thrilled that she is, and that she has no compunction about wearing whatever she wants to wear and she’s comfortable. So I do celebrate that.”

After receiving a barrage of criticism online regarding her comments on Lizzo, Michaels issued a statement on Twitter seemingly in response to the situation.

“As I’ve stated repeatedly, we are all beautiful, worthy, and equally deserving,” she said.

“I also feel strongly that we love ourselves enough to acknowledge there are serious health consequences that come with obesity – heart disease, diabetes, cancer to name only a few.”

Michaels said she would “never wish” these health conditions on anyone, adding: “I would hope we prioritise our health because we LOVE ourselves and our bodies.”

On Thursday, Lizzo shared a video on Instagram, in which she films a scenic view from a balcony.

“Today’s mantra is: This is my life. I have done nothing wrong,” the rapper wrote in the caption.

“I forgive myself for thinking I was wrong in the first place. I deserve to be happy.”