Many social media users seem to believe that an artist’s public success somehow gives them the right to comment on that artist’s body. While male artists aren’t completely immune from this scrutiny, it’s often women who bear the brunt of it. Lainey Wilson, the reigning Entertainer of the Year at the ACM Awards, recently addressed her online body-shamers during an interview.
Lainey Wilson Responds to Body-Shamers
In a candid conversation with Josh Smith on the Reign with Josh Smith podcast, Lainey Wilson had some strong words for her critics.
“Kiss my fat a–,” she boldly declared when asked if she had anything to say to those who criticize her body online. After a brief laugh, she added, “I’m playing.”
Back in late 2022, as Wilson’s rise to fame was taking off with the release of her GRAMMY-winning album Bell Bottom Country, the “Watermelon Moonshine” singer found herself going viral on TikTok. As she humorously put it, “my butt went viral.” While she initially found the attention amusing, the Baskin, Louisiana native wasn’t prepared for how long-lasting it would be.
“I read way too many things people had to say about me. And at the end of the day, like, I’m a storyteller. I think words are powerful. That’s why I wanted to write music,” Wilson explained. “Even if you don’t believe what somebody says about you, just seeing it for a split second can leave a little mark.”
The Struggles of Public Scrutiny
Wilson acknowledged that it wasn’t always easy to shake off the negative feedback. “There were times when social media was really preventing me from taking that next step,” she said. “So I made a conscious decision to stop reading it… and it’s been a struggle.”
Despite the challenges, Wilson has continued to face the scrutiny with a blend of Southern charm and resilience. “I think some people didn’t get their butt whooped as a child,” she quipped. “And it shows.”
