Wentworth Miller Speaks Out Against Body-Shaming Meme
Prison Break star Wentworth Miller has hit out at a meme mocking him for his weight gain after leaving his most iconic role.
The actor was a huge name while starring in Prison Break, but was forced to deny gossip about his sexuality at the time. He spent several years away from the spotlight after Prison Break ended in 2009 struggling with depression, before coming out as gay in 2013, admitting he “chose to lie” previously for the sake of his career.
In recent years, Miller has made an acting comeback, appearing on CW shows, The Flash and Legends of Tomorrow, and signing up to a Prison Break revival miniseries.
But the star was confronted with his past this week when Facebook page ‘The Lad Bible’ posted a meme, with a before-and-after shots of him, comparing a Prison Break still to a pap photo snapped during his break from acting in 2010.
Noting his abs and substantial weight gain, the page joked: “When you break out of prison and find out about McDonald’s monopoly…”
In response to the body-shaming meme, Miller went on social media and wrote a powerful post about his struggle with depression and suicidal thoughts.
He wrote:
“Today I found myself the subject of an Internet meme. Not for the first time. This one, however, stands out from the rest.
“In 2010, semi-retired from acting, I was keeping a low-profile for a number of reasons.
“First and foremost, I was suicidal. This is a subject I’ve since written about, spoken about, shared about. But at the time I suffered in silence. As so many do. The extent of my struggle known to very, very few. Ashamed and in pain, I considered myself damaged goods. And the voices in my head urged me down the path to self-destruction. Not for the first time.
“I’ve struggled with depression since childhood. It’s a battle that’s cost me time, opportunities, relationships, and a thousand sleepless nights.
“In 2010, at the lowest point in my adult life, I was looking everywhere for relief/comfort/distraction. And I turned to food. It could have been anything. Drugs. Alcohol. Sex. But eating became the one thing I could look forward to. Count on to get me through. There were stretches when the highlight of my week was a favorite meal and a new episode of TOP CHEF. Sometimes that was enough. Had to be.
“And I put on weight. Big f–king deal.
“One day, out for a hike in Los Angeles with a friend, we crossed paths with a film crew shooting a reality show. Unbeknownst to me, paparazzi were circling. They took my picture, and the photos were published alongside images of me from another time in my career. “Hunk To Chunk.” “Fit To Flab.” Etc.
“My mother has one of those “friends” who’s always the first to bring you bad news. They clipped one of these articles from a popular national magazine and mailed it to her. She called me, concerned.
“In 2010, fighting for my mental health, it was the last thing I needed.
“Long story short, I survived.
“So do those pictures. I’m glad.
“Now, when I see that image of me in my red t-shirt, a rare smile on my face, I am reminded of my struggle. My endurance and my perseverance in the face of all kinds of demons. Some within. Some without. Like a dandelion up through the pavement, I persist.
“Anyway. Still. Despite.
“The first time I saw this meme pop up in my social media feed, I have to admit, it hurt to breathe. But as with everything in life, I get to assign meaning. And the meaning I assign to this/my image is Strength. Healing. Forgiveness.
“Of myself and others.
“If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Reach out. Text. Send an email. Pick up the phone. Someone cares. They’re waiting to hear from you. Much love. – W.M.
The creator of the meme, Lad Bible, later wrote a Facebook post apologizing to Miller and reminding us all that “mental health is no joke or laughing matter.”
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70 Comments
Eggsy
March 31, 06:48Why people feel the need to mock others for not having a particular body type is beyond me. No, it actually isn’t, people are stupid. There is no bad way to have a body and if you think everybody should have a particular body type, then…well let’s just say there is a bad way to be human and you’re it.
thatinyvoice
March 31, 08:15For someone to respond the way you just did, it’s either you are fat or you’ve been fat and not comfortable with your FAT. No one ‘feel the need to mock others for not having a particular body type’, people should feel the need to put more effort into not being fat. No fat person is comfortable with his/her weight and generally being fat comes with a lot of issues which could’ve been prevented, to much of everything isn’t always good.
Masked Man
March 31, 08:37Hian! You have left the post and faced Eggsy, okwaya. His body size has nothing to do with this post. We are talking Wentworth here.
Terra
March 31, 09:19I used to be comfortable with being fat until I discovered my sexuality. People do feel the need to make fun of fat people. Gay people are especially terrible when it comes to this. When I started hitting the gym and losing some of it, people that never gave me the time of day started to pay attention, and I hated them for it. This isn’t hearsay, it a from personal experience. You speak of the problems associated with being fat. I say that’s just a thin veil that you use to justify fat shaming. There are health risks associated with stepping out of your door every morning, but do you make fun of people for going outside? No. Nobody does it for the sake of people’s health. The truth is, people out there feel the need to make fun of people. Not just fat people, everyone. The thing is, to make fun of someone and have it sting, you have to have a handle on the person’s insecurities. Fat people are an easy target because their insecurities are right there, open for just about everyone to see.
Chandler B.
March 31, 09:55It seems you are trying to justify fat shaming. Just because (you think) no one is comfortable with being fat, it’s OK for them to be ridiculed for it? The thrust of the article was that he got fat BECAUSE he was depressed and turned to food for comfort. IF someone is insecure about their size all you should do is help them become a better version of themselves (both physically and mentally), no need to shame them for it. We all have our insecurities.
DI-NAVY
March 31, 06:57It’s the world we live in where everybody seem to be opinionated. Too bad that wenthworth allowed that to get to him, I think i even prefer the chubby wenthworth cos he’s hella sexy. * looking at bae with side eyes* lol
Ever noticed that people who are so quick to call someone fat, skinny, short et al are not even up to it. They are not even in the neighborhood of close of being perfect. Say no to body shaming.
Wayfaring Stranger
March 31, 09:38Still waiting for the day you’d comment without these bae announcements.
Keredim
March 31, 09:45UKD.????????
Wayfaring Stranger
March 31, 10:02???
Chandler B.
March 31, 10:02You and me both, Stranger.
DI-NAVY
March 31, 10:04Honey, pls blind fold your self and don’t read my comments because i’ll say it over and over again. It’s still morning and don’t infest me with your so much negativity. Glad you’ve been noticing my comments tho.
Pink Panther
March 31, 10:06Lol. Yall should leave DI-Navy. He’s in love.
DI-NAVY
March 31, 10:11They aint seen nothing yet hunty. Wait fot it. LOL. As if they’re here for my comments. i nukwa m eshishi.lol
Wayfaring Stranger
March 31, 10:12Are you funny?
Delle
March 31, 12:30Hollup, hollup! INFERENCE: Di-Navy’s bae is fat…hmm
DI-NAVY
March 31, 12:53Well, I wish he was. lol
Masked Man
March 31, 07:00Where are they oh, ndi fat shamers.
Mandy
March 31, 07:15‘Long story short, I survived.’
Period. Nuff said, Wentworth.
I’d say haters should go and hug transformer but clearly they’re too busy feeling embarrassed for being such douchebags
Wiffey
March 31, 07:18In the words of Britney “you wanna look hot in a bikini then you better work bitch ”
In my own opinion no one was born fat so instead of being depressed, frustrated or suicidal when shamed for being #FAT, Honey channel all of that energy an tun it the fuck out
Put those muthaf*ckers all to shame. I’ve been there an I did it.
PRETTY HURTS
Pink Panther
March 31, 07:24Was anyone born skinny? Or muscular?
Peak
March 31, 08:15Evidently the detailed explanation about how he got overweight, the issues and demons that he was struggling with, before ppl decided to add weight and body shaming to the mounting list of his sufferings, all flew over ur head, right?
Make an effort to wear more hue of comprehension this year love, I can assure you that it would do wonders for ur skin tone.
Delle
March 31, 12:27No one was born fat? Most babies I know were born fat, chubby but none was born muscular or with an athlete’s bod.
posh6666
March 31, 07:27Honestly when I saw his pics the other day i was first sad for him after reading his story.Then dissapointed like how could someone with so much elegance,aura,charm and goodlooks get into depression and feel he’s not good enough to the extent of resorting to comfort food that eventually made him fat.
Wentworth needs to get it together really fast.Some of us have a major crush on you and want you to be a super star that you were meant to be.
Kenny
March 31, 07:33“And I put on weight. Big f–king deal.”
“Long story short, I survived”
“If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Reach out. Text. Send an email. Pick up the phone. Someone cares. They’re waiting to hear from you. Much love. – W.M.”
Enough said, with so much class?????
ambivalentone
March 31, 07:43Well, he’s out of the depths now, thanks be. Get to work being that sexy u u were.
shuga chocolata
March 31, 07:59#Word!!!
He showed his haters how he got there and how he did it…. using his last words, mental health is norr a small something to begin with…
I’m happy he has gotten the help he needed.
Peak
March 31, 08:02“My endurance and my perseverance in the face of all kinds of demons”
“I have to admit, it hurt to breathe.”
“I get to assign meaning. And the meaning I assign to this/my image is Strength. Healing. Forgiveness”
#Survive
Jamie
March 31, 08:28Here in Africa, mental health is quite less discussed anyway… It’s supposed that we all are Stoics!!!
ambivalentone
March 31, 09:53Let’s pen that down alongside the myriad of problems that shouldn’t be discussed in proper society- critiquing rich THIEVES, bad ELDERS, complacent, duplicituous CLERGY, Women Empowerment, Sex and Sexuality…prayer solves it all
Mandy
March 31, 10:10Lol. Why talk about them when we can hand them all to God in prayer.
Jamie
March 31, 17:54Uh huh!!
A-non
March 31, 10:27Hmmm…
Truth is we can replace his reference to his weight with so many other things: height, sexuality, role, facial look, wealth, education, social class, current employment status, etc.
We all have our insecurities and will readily write an epistle on height or wealth shaming if that’s what our insecurity is.
So rather than try to pick apart what he said or didn’t say, replace his issue with yours, learn from him and become a better you.
A-non
March 31, 10:28Hi Peak, it’s been ages. How you dey?
Peak
March 31, 16:39Ummmm A-non, biko ur “HI” has been rejected!
You disappeared for close to a year, had folks all bothered, worried about you and sending search parties all over town, on top ur matter. Only for you to materialise from nowhere, come de gimme “Hi” and “it’s been ages”.
Nna I plan on not addressing you for the whole of 2016, unless I get a mailed apology of not less than 6, 565 characters with details of ur disappearance. Until then, I got beef witchoo!
To my international prostitute “MANfriend”, I see you and ur shady ways. Bros how market?
Welcome back.
Keredim
March 31, 16:46Nna Peak milk, i dey o. Thank you. Market dey go well, despite global recession, Brexit, terrorist attacks and Donald Trump. We thank God.
How runs now?????
You-Know-Who
March 31, 10:45To be honest i don’t think anyone feels comfortable being fat. (or only a few maybe.) No ONE truly, deep down in their minds will prefer to be fat but the truth is its a struggle and people learn to live with it or do something about it. its a matter of choice. every individual has one struggle or the other to deal with, some are pretty obvious (like fat peoples) others not so obvious.
Most times people make statements to and about fat people pretending like they care but in actual fact they are only fat shaming to feel good about themselves. We are living in a world were everyone wants to prey on the ” weak ” its survival of the fittest in this crazy world. so its obvious why fat people are easy targets.
I for one think gay people especially should not indulge in fat (body) shaming or whatever kind of shaming because we experience the same thing from the world at large because of our sexuality. it’s sad when i see gay people do this, i think to myself, Do this people learn anything from their experiences at all?
To be honest being fat is not all doom and gloom like people suggest, i have a very close friend who is fat and tall and gets all the booty in the community. he also happens to have gotten a few jobs, contracts and network with top officials due to his stature, the way he carries himself and of course his intelligence. what is important however, is to exercise when possible and remain healthy.
#LiveAndLetLive
DI-NAVY
March 31, 10:55yasssssss. Exactly. He’s fat and that is to his advantage.
Delle
March 31, 12:23Well personally speaking, I don’t like fat people. I mean, what are you gonna gain from being fat and flabby? Nothing but more susceptibility to diseases (esp when you’re all fat and loose) and low self-esteem. I was disappointed, scratch that, I am disappointed seeing Wentworth like this but it’s all good seeing as there’s a reason behind it. I don’t insult fat people, but I’d let you know it’s not the best you can be. Finish. It’s not fat-shaming, it’s just me being helpful. Aint no pride in being fat, biko.
It’s one thing to be fat, another to acknowledge it and want to do something about it. I really don’t know why his ‘coming out’ was this bad for him (others have, right?) but I wish him well and I can’t wait to see him back to his normal self. Depression is a bad thing and many of us have been through that one time in our lives. He had better get his wits together cos the crush my roomie has on him is seriously waning, I can feel it. Lol.
*resumes ogling at Channing’s ever fit body*
Keredim
March 31, 12:36OMG, Delle you spoke my mind. Personally speaking, i loate skinny people. They make my skin crawl, especially when they are effete. I mean what do they gain by being skinny and flat arsed?! Who wants to fuck skin and bones? Its not a healthy look. They look malnourished. It sends out a wrong message.
They should eat more healthy foods and go and bulk up in the gym.
Thanks Delle. That was cathartic.????
You-Know-Who
March 31, 15:10OUCH!! Bitch you Keredim.. Bitch you!!
ambivalentone
March 31, 16:43Aswear, if I didn’t know what you meant and how doubled up I am laughing, I’d be insulted. I really shud start to take your darts more seriously. That’s how u wee kee sumbori and e wee nor know
bruno
March 31, 18:43perfect
Delle
March 31, 21:33Someone is having serious insecurity issues. Something u aint telling, Kere?
Keredim
March 31, 22:10Nah, nothing to tell.
You wouldn’t understand anyway, even if i filmed it and played it to you on a continuous loop with subtitles.????
Delle
April 01, 00:05Lol. Why do I feel you’re not telling the truth? Oh yea, that’s cos you’re not.
OAN, trust me hun, I’ve got a way of helping people with issues especially when it’s ‘deposited’ on them in all the wrongest places…
Keredim
April 01, 04:09On A Serious Note : Go and eat first, then maybe we can talk.?
Delle
April 01, 08:53Nehh, I won’t indulge you esp after knowing what series of ‘that’ did to you. Nehh, I’d pass.
And I wasn’t actually talking to you, you just feel I was cos you’re…
Pink Panther
April 01, 10:29*sigh* Delle, it was SARCASM.
Delle
April 01, 15:05Umm…I knew that…
Francis
April 02, 10:45?????????????
Keredim
March 31, 12:39PS : I wasn’t Skinny-shaming. Just advising skinny people
Terra
March 31, 14:21You are definitely a demigod son of Momus
?????
Mandy
March 31, 16:09Hahahahahahahahahahaa!!! Keredim, so Lent did nothing to soften your subtly sharp edges, huh?
Kenny
March 31, 16:48This Keredim is 50 shades of awesome????
Kester
March 31, 15:28Keredim where do I kiss you?
Wondering how many people will actually get your drift their heads being too far up their perfect asses
Marc Francis of Chelsea
April 01, 09:23Bashing fat people doesn’t make you healthier. You can die from 1 billion things tomorrow. This post is about talking about how he felt bad about being made fun of after going from fit to fat, and instead of recognise and appreciate the sentiment, you’ve taken to telling us all the issues with being fat. He clearly stated that he was going through a horrible depression but all you can see is that he doesn’t have abs anymore.
Do you realise you sound like the people bashing gays? The people who think you are disgusting and are 100% more susceptible to HIV/AIDS by being gay? The people who believe the only thing to come from being gay is a direct ticket to hell?
Gay men have this innate need to bash people they do not find attractive. TBH this is why people see us as nothing by sex hounds. People are fat! Deal with it. Why are you unhappy that a fat gay man is comfortable in his own skin? Why does it make you uncomfortable to see a fat gay man not crying about how he longs to be skinny/muscular? I hate posts like these because they bring out the fascist underbelly of this website.
No one wants your opinion on their weight the exact same way you don’t want a straight person’s opinion on your sexuality. If you are not attracted, you say so and move on. There is no need to make anyone feel like they are unworthy of being gay/alive because they larger than you. You are probably not even that cute.
Pink Panther
April 01, 10:27Preach!
Keredim
April 01, 11:33“You are probably not even that cute”
Gbam!!!!??????
Delle
April 01, 15:10*rolling my eyes*…so one can’t voice his opinion anymore? I wonder why my very ‘truthful’ comment bites this much…oh well
OAN…you’re correct about the cute thing just that it was so not necessary
Marc Francis of Chelsea
April 01, 16:16I guess straight people are excused when they express their “opinions” on you being a disgusting faggot. Going by your reasoning of course.
Your opinion is just an opinion until it is hurtful. You can’t say mean things and then run behind the opinion defence. You are not a judge.
Also, enough of insinuating everyone who argues with you is fat. It’s like those ignorant people on Linda ikeji that call people who defend gay people’s rights gay themselves.
JustJames
April 01, 17:01Sometimes, delle, I worry about you.
Not every time you should speak.. sometimes listen. And even when you have to speak please think.
This is not to scorn you.. I’m genuinely concerned.
Delle
April 01, 23:21Really? Okay
Keredim
April 01, 23:29Hey, you are studying to be a vet right?
Does “Foot & Mouth disease” come to mind??
Delle
April 01, 19:39Could you like give it a rest already? I never meant I hate fat people, I just don’t like that physical state. It wasn’t anything personal so why the fuss? I have people around me who are fat; friends, family and what have you…that doesn’t make me hate them (why should I?) but I spare no moment in letting them know their physical state isn’t the best. I don’t hate fat people, I just hate fat. Tell yourself the truth, is fat really something to crave or desire?
If you’re fat and you’re waiting to be pet and given care kisses instead of doing something about it, then that’s your problem. It’s just like mouth and body odour. I hate those also, but doesn’t mean I hate the person. I’d let you know that’s the part of you I don’t like. Nigerians and sentiments. I think criticising someone isn’t all as negative as we paint it to be, look at it as something that could make one a better person. Fat doesn’t make a person, it doesn’t define who you are or what you stand for so don’t make it so.
How this relates to being called faggot beats me (you even had to use the taboo word…smh) cos one is a physical disposition and one is not. Being gay cannot be changed or altered, but being fat can. If you feel I’m a horrible person just cos I gave an honest thought without bile or spite, then whatever paddles your canoe mehn. I can’t handle.
Marc Francis of Chelsea
April 02, 01:21“Well personally speaking, I don’t like fat people.” Guessing I misinterpreted the opening line of your argument?
There is nothing wrong with hating fat. However, it is not your place to “spare no moment in letting them know their physical state isn’t the best.” Stop projecting your discomfort in a way that makes someone uncomfortable. Simple.
You assume that all fat people have low self-esteem. You want every fat person to walk up to you and reassure you that, hey, I hate my body and I am working to change it. That is silly. If someone is working on his weight, then trust me, the last thing he needs is to constantly be reminded of how much further he has to go to meet your standards. Mind your business and stop worrying about someone else’s weight.
Do you know how the person added the weight? Do you know what the person has been doing to lose the weight? Do you think the person does not realise they are fat? No. All you see is that the person is fat and you MUST comment on their weight.
Relating it to the “taboo word–FAGGOT (which I can say as a very gay man)” is simply an example. To ignorant straight people, it is your choice to be gay so they believe constantly hammering you on it will make you change. It is annoying. It is not your place to make someone feel bad about themselves because you don’t like the way they look and you feel they must change it.
If you cannot understand this then there really is no point continuing on with this conversation.
Mills & Boon
April 02, 11:07omg he’s so smart! luv u mr. francis of chelsea!
Francis
April 02, 10:46Delle, take James advice. Seriously, just take his advice.
michael
April 01, 22:41Chill Delle. Just chill for a minute. Relax..
Greg
April 02, 11:18team skinny bitches! tho i care less if one is fat,skinny or muscular. what matters more to me is personality. also being skinny or muscular doesn’t automatically mean you’re sexy or attractive! being sexy is all about how well u carry yourself!self confidence is sexy!
“It Gets Better.” Wentworth Miller has some thoughtful advice to young gays who are struggling | KitoDiaries
October 16, 06:19[…] this year, Miller penned a Facebook post about the cruelty he endured on social media when he gained weight during the years between Prison […]