Irish singer-songwriter CMAT, known offstage as Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson, has publicly addressed the body shaming she faced after her recent performance at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Sunderland, England. CMAT expressed her ‘deep sadness’ over the treatment she received online due to her body shape, sharing her experiences on Instagram.

Social Media Struggles

Following the event, CMAT decided to delete social media apps from her phone to protect her mental health. Despite this, she felt compelled to speak out about the ongoing abuse she faces, which she says has worsened as her fame grows. In her Instagram post, she described the situation as ‘boring’ and ‘horribly’ repetitive, emphasizing that the criticism continues to escalate.

CMAT shared a fan’s post that resonated with her, highlighting the disparity in how female artists are treated online. The fan noted that other performers at the event, such as Olivia Dean and Zara Larsson, did not face the same level of hostility in their comment sections, which were described as ‘warzones’ for CMAT.

Public Support and Personal Reflections

Despite the negativity, CMAT expressed gratitude for her career but lamented that her success is overshadowed by the pressure to conform to societal standards of beauty. She stated that her appearance is not a result of defiance but rather a personal struggle with body image.

The post received significant attention, with over 60,000 likes and supportive comments from public figures like BBC radio presenter Lauren Laverne and singer Sophie Ellis Bextor. They praised CMAT for her bravery and authenticity, acknowledging the challenges she faces in the public eye.

CMAT’s experience sheds light on the broader issue of body shaming in the entertainment industry, where female artists often face scrutiny over their appearances. Her candidness about the impact of such criticism serves as a reminder of the importance of treating individuals with respect and dignity, regardless of their public persona.

Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.