True to her no-bullshit vibe, model Tess Holliday has come out guns blazing against critics of her first Cosmopolitan cover.
The body positivity advocate scored the coveted cover of Cosmopolitan UK this month, and while she received plenty of praise for her spin as a Cosmo cover girl, she also copped a shit-ton of flack.
One person up in arms over the cover was Piers Morgan, who had this to say on Instagram.
As Britain battles an ever-worsening obesity crisis, this is the new cover of Cosmo. Apparently we’re supposed to view it as a ‘huge step forward for body positivity.’ What a load of old baloney. This cover is just as dangerous & misguided as celebrating size zero models.
Tess clapped back at Piers and other dissenters via Twitter, pointing out that she’s American and therefore not ‘burdening’ Britain with her weight.
https://twitter.com/Tess_Holliday/status/1035179346162372612
The cover has taken social media by storm, and while there’s a lot of criticism there’s also been many positive responses.
Why don’t people start realizing the only thing she’s trying to promote is feeling comfortable in your own skin. Whether that’s while your on your journey to a healthier lifestyle or you think you’re living your best life already
— YessiBuck (@BuckYessi) August 30, 2018
This photo, I would’ve never taken a year ago. I’ve gained confidence in myself & my body, no matter what it’s like. @Tess_Holliday and @roseybeeme give me the confidence to retort criticism, even from my own mom. Thanks for your help in my journey. #effyourbeautystandards pic.twitter.com/kKBFtd8Isi
— Ashley ✨ Rudder (@SmashleyRud) August 30, 2018
also – if you’re gonna come at fat women from the standpoint that you’re concerned for our health, you best not be drinking, drugging, having sex without protection, or driving without a seatbelt. i don’t make the rules. 🤷🏻♀️
— Jade Van Kley (@BacklineNurse) August 30, 2018
Piers Morgan having a go at Tess Holliday for existing isn’t doing anything re obesity (itself a problematic term often used to justify medical neglect where weight isn’t actually the problem). It’s literally just anger at a fat woman existing w/o being ashamed enough. Fuck off.
— Emma Kennedy (@EmmaKEdDev) August 31, 2018
Why can’t every woman be viewed as beautiful? Why can’t every female of size and color be represented? You have no idea what it means to be a woman struggling with their body, what it is to be shamed and outcast from society because of the run away train that is the struggle.
— D (@The_Faeiry) August 31, 2018
https://twitter.com/lindylupiin/status/1035550000883949568
Tess also stars in a fashion shoot within the mag, which is out now.
Talking to Good Morning America about the controversy, Holliday said “I’m not Piers Morgan. I don’t need to troll people to stay relevant. I just get to have an awesome job and do what I love and hopefully change people’s lives.”