Ashley Graham Writes Open Letter To Instagram Body Shamers

Ashley Graham, the plus-size model, has faced a flood of criticism since she has been in the spot light. Graham has been scolded for being too curvy and promoting obesity as well as being called out for being too thin and trying to conform to Hollywood standards.

In a new essay for Lenny Letter, “Shamed If I Do, Shamed If I Don’t,” Graham called out body shamers.

“When I post a photo from a ‘good angle,’ I receive criticism for looking smaller and selling out,” she wrote. “When I post photos showing my cellulite, stretch marks, and rolls, I’m accused of promoting obesity. The cycle of body-shaming needs to end. I’m over it.”

“I’m a confident woman with thick skin, and as a model in the public eye, I’m conditioned to accept criticism,” she wrote, noting her realistic understanding of internet commenters not always being supportive. “But last week, I admit that I had a tougher time brushing off the haters.”

Commenters were upset that she appeared slimmer in the photo, Graham said that she hasn’t lost any weight. “I know my angles, just like we all know our favourite filters and lighting and our good sides. I pick the photos I like best,” she wrote. “If I did want to lose weight, it would be no one’s decision but my own,” she continued. “I am more than my measurements. I’m not Ashley Graham just because I’m curvy,” she wrote. “I refuse to let others dictate how I live my life and what my body should look like for their own comfort. And neither should you… My body is MY body. I’ll call the shots.”