'Skeleton' Australian model hits back at online critics
Australian model Genevieve Barker has hit back at online critics who called her a ‘skeleton’ and told her to ‘eat a burger’.
Photographer Brydie Mack posted a photo online of the 26-year-old model and it was met with harsh comments about her pronounced ribcage. Many suggested she had an eating disorder.
“It’s about posting on an Insta which is promoting beauty and fashion, and this women looks unwell, even if it is natural, which is highly doubtful at her age,” one commenter wrote.
Others stood up for the model and accused negative commenters of ‘thin-shaming’.
“I understand where you are coming from but I also think you need to remember that some women naturally have bodies like this,” one Instagram user wrote.
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“We need to celebrate women no matter their shape,” another wrote.
Barker told the Daily Mail she was often shocked at the double standard that exists when people talk about women’s bodies.
“I see articles all the time condemning "fat shamers" and how appalling it is that a woman should ever call another woman "too big", Barker said.
"However it is seen as empowering, and speaking out for "real women" if people comment "too thin" "eat something" "gaunt" "disgusting" about thin women. I am thin, I AM a real woman!"
“I post a lot on Instagram (modeling agencies encourage it) and I am often bombarded with "eat a burger" comments that really, really hurt,” she added.
She said she used to feel embarrassed about her body but she has learned to embrace her naturally slender frame. But she admits she does work for it.
“I essentially train like an athlete, I nourish myself with the foods that help me train and give me energy for the long days of castings and shoots.”
“I am healthy and strong and yes, thin,” she said.
News break - September 1
