‘I finally love and accept myself’: Jonah Hill shares powerful response to ‘fatshaming’ article
Actor praised by fans and fellow Hollywood stars for post about body image and self-worth
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Jonah Hill has received thousands of messages of support for his response to an article that was branded as an attempt to body-shame him.
The Hollywood star was featured in a Daily Mail article that included photos of him on a surfing trip.
The headline read: “Jonah Hill slips into his black wetsuit for surf day in Malibu… before showing off his tattoos while going shirtless to towel himself off.”
Posting a screenshot of the article on his Instagram page, Hill wrote in the caption: “I don’t think I ever took my shirt off in a pool until I was in my mid-thirties even in front of family and friends.”
He continued: “Probably would have happened sooner if my childhood insecurities weren’t exacerbated by years of public mockery about my body by press and interviewers. So the idea that the media tries to play me by stalking me while surfing and printing photos like this and it can’t phase me anymore is dope.”
Hill concluded: “I’m 37 and finally love and accept myself. This isn’t a ‘good for me’ post . And it’s definitely not a ‘feel bad for me post’. It’s for the the kids who don’t take their shirt off at the pool. Have fun. You’re wonderful and awesome and perfect. All my love.”
He added: Oh and Daily Mail, not even you can take that smile from my face.”
Fans and fellow actors, including Hill’s sister Beanie Feldstein, praised Hill for his post, which has received more than a million “likes”.
“You’re the best in the world I love you,” Feldstein wrote.
On Twitter, rapper Rico Nasty criticised anyone attempting to “fatshame” Hill, tweeting: “Y’all really tryna fat shame Jonah hill . Y’all f***ing suck.”
Actor Ed Asner tweeted: “Good for you Jonah Hill. I have been shamed for my body for 91 years. It’s kind of liberating to say what the f***. You are also standing up on a surfboard and that in itself is something to celebrate.”