Tilly Ramsay is gorgeous. And her looks are the least interesting thing about her. In fact, they’re the least interesting thing about anyone.
A person’s talent, creativity, heart, humour, wit – all these things are more interesting, all these things Tilly has in spades. The 19-year-old daughter of chef Gordon Ramsay has accomplished an incredible amount through her teen years.
WATCH: Tilly Ramsay and her dad Gordon on TikTok
She’s a viral sensation on TikTok and Instagram, she’s written a cookbook, was nominated for three Children’s BAFTA awards for her show Matilda and the Ramsay Bunch, she’s currently impressing the judges on Australia’s Celebrity MasterChef and competing in the UK series Strictly Come Dancing.
She’s also a human being. One who has proven herself to be nothing but hardworking, humble and kind. One who doesn’t deserve to be trolled over her weight by a male media personality almost 50 years her senior. No one deserves that, but yet it happens all the time and Tilly has found herself the latest target of such cruel comments.
UK radio DJ Steve Allen spoke about Tilly on his LBC show this week, in a segment about her dancing on Strictly. He called Tilly a “chubby little thing,” adding, “probably her dad’s cooking, I should imagine.”
Tilly responded with a lengthy statement on her Instagram page, saying she would not tolerate these kinds of remarks.
“I try not to read and listen to comments and negativity. However, recently being called out on a national radio station by a 67-year-old man is a step too far,” Tilly writes.
“Steve please feel free to voice your opinions, however I draw the line at commenting on my appearance. It’s such a shame that someone is trying to make such a positive experience negative.
“This isn’t the first and definitely won’t be the last comment made about my appearance. But please remember that words can hurt and at the end of the day I am only 19.
“I understand that being in the public eye obviously comes with its own repercussions and I’ve been aware of this from a young age. However, I won’t tolerate people that think it’s OK to publicly comment and scrutinise anyone’s weight and appearance.”
Tilly’s words were met with love and support from her friends and co-stars, with Celebrity MasterChef star Chrisse Swan writing: “What a sad, backward man. You know your power, my girl. It’s growing and was never in doubt. Love you to the moon and back.”
Rebecca Gibney added: “Let me at him!!! Seriously?? That guy needs a good kick up the bum. You are a brilliant bright shining star – beautiful dancer, wondrous cook, exceptional human. And wise beyond your years. Always remember for that one dim witted twat – there are millions who adore you . Keep killing it sweetheart – Australia loves you too.”
Judges Jock Zonfrillo, Melissa Leong and contestants Collette Dinnigan, Archie Thompson, Nick Riewoldt and Dami Im were also among those to leave supportive comments.
With more than 15,000 people leaving their opinions in the comments, there was also a lot of anger, too. And rightfully so. Sharing opinions on other people’s bodies is, frankly, weird.
Stars in the spotlight have long been made the easy target of bullying over their bodies. Who could forget the way women like Jessica Simpson, Khloe Kardashian, Selena Gomez, Jennifer Lawrence, Kate Winslet, Adele, Serena Williams, Rihanna, Kelly Clarkson and so, so many more stars have been cruelly targeted, with many opening up about the damaging effects this has on their mental health.
Recently, Jonah Hill opened up about how he is regularly at the centre of conversations around weight, saying: “I know you mean well, but I kindly ask that you do not comment on my body. Good or bad I want to politely let you know it’s not helpful and doesn’t feel good. Much respect.”
Tilly received plenty of support from her famous friends and loved ones, but the damage that negative commentary like this can do is extreme. Not only to the person being targeted, but to all of the impressionable people who are taking this criticism on board regarding their own body image.
It’s well past time for people to stop commenting on people’s bodies, take a leaf out of Tilly Ramsay’s book, and “be kind.”
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