People are calling out how Rebel Wilson's weight loss 'transformation' was handled at the BAFTAs

Jennifer Savin
·3 min read
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There are many things Rebel Wilson ought to be known for – her comedic brilliance (hello, Bridesmaids and How To Be Single) for starters – but unfortunately, as is the case for many female celebrities who lose weight, the conversation surrounding Rebel is often about her appearance. This is something that the Aussie addressed herself, along with her recent weight loss, whilst hosting the BAFTAs last night, but which has been met with a mixed response.

"I might look a bit different from the last time you guys saw me here," the actor explained in a monologue, as an image of her hosting the awards back in 2020 appeared on-screen behind her and the crowd cheered. "This was me two years ago and since then I've done quite a transformation."

Following this, some have taken to social media to question why Rebel felt the need to address her personal lifestyle changes during the awards ceremony, which ought to be focussed on talent rather than looks. She also attracted criticism for her J K Rowling joke, so it seems there's plenty to unpick from her speech.

"I'm happy for Rebel Wilson and everyone else who has managed to lose weight and/or become more comfortable in their own skin... but it feels really icky the way people treat weight loss like the most heroic thing a big person can do," one social media user tweeted.

Another added into the mix: "It would’ve been pretty cool if Rebel Wilson could do something publicly without having to address her weight loss, wouldn’t it?" seemingly implying that this isn't a fault of Rebel's but highlighting how sad it is that this has become a societal expectation – that a person can't lose weight without it being something they need to justify or comment on.

Rebel also discussed her approach to talking about her changing body in a recent interview with Hollywood Reporter, where she noted, "When you're a comedian, you use things about your physicality to your advantage, and I used being a plus-size girl to my advantage in many comedy movies. Some people have said to me, 'Now that you lost weight, are you scared you won’t be funny anymore?' I like to make a joke about it myself first because it is different."

Perhaps Rebel addressing it all head on is her way of taking back control of the narrative, something that we've seen her do throughout her weight loss journey, by posting regular updates about it on social media (along with her workouts).

Ultimately, how Rebel does or doesn't talk about her body is down to one thing one: herself.

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