Mamma Mia! star Amanda Seyfried has apologised to influencer Arielle Charnas after she called her out on Instagram.
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This all started when, about a day or two ago, Seyfried shared her friend’s comment on one of Charnas’ Instagram pictures. The post in question was of Charnas’ extremely fit body captioned: “Proud of my body after two kids.”
In a comment on the post, Seyfried’s friend went off. They told Charnas to acknowledge that her wealth and privilege probably played a good part in her post-pregnancy body, that her picture is “perpetuating the patriarchal (totally unrealistic) notion that mothers should ‘bounce back’ after childbirth”, for “glorifying an unhealthy body image”, and questioned why she wasn’t using her platform to “encourage more women to be ambitious business women, or say, run for office, or maybe, sheesh, I don’t know, do something to help the kids literally dying in cages?”
Oof.
Seyfried originally shared the comment to her Instagram story but later re-posted it on her Instagram feed because “Fuck it – this is feed material.”
In a followup post, Seyfried said: “Influence = Power. And if you’re taking advantage of that – EMPOWER.”
While the post sparked discussion and support, it also saw a lot of backlash. Charnas copped a lot of criticism as well and she took to her Instagram story – now-expired – to say she felt “bullied” by the actor and “punished because I’m thin.”
Charnas also blocked both Seyfried and her friend on the social media platform.
Earlier today, in a post directed to all who felt bullied or thin-shamed, Seyfried apologised and said it wasn’t in her character to tear down anyone for “‘being who they are.’”
Each of us has the ability and the freedom to say and do as we choose. However, as I’m acutely aware, there’s a price tag for the group of people who find themselves with a platform to stand on. You have to be aware of the message you’re sending and be able to back it up when faced with criticism (not just praise). Hold yourselves accountable instead of using the terms above.
Seyfried continued that the only thing she’d take back is “exactly how I started this debate.”
I desperately wish it hadn’t targeted (or blasted) one person (there are MANY who engage in this questionable messaging) and instead started a cleaner, general conversation. No one needs to tear anyone apart. And I regret that it’s present right now.
To the lady in question: I’m sorry for the truly negative feels you’ve endured because of this.
She concluded: “Aside from the messy detour? The bigger, important message seems to be filtering through and helping a lot of women feel supported. And that’s the name of the game.”
