Lili Reinhart Says a Male Director Once Told Her to ‘Suck in Your Stomach’ While on Set 

**Lili Reinhart Opens Up About Body Image Struggles in New Interview**

Lili Reinhart, known for her role in the upcoming film *Forbidden Fruits*, has candidly discussed her ongoing battle with body image issues during a recent TikTok interview. In a segment that has since gone viral, the 29-year-old actress revealed a disheartening experience with a male director who told her to “suck in your stomach” while she was working on an unspecified project. Reinhart’s remarks were made in a light-hearted context but carried a significant message regarding the pressures actors face regarding their physical appearance.

The actress shared this anecdote while conversing with her co-stars Lola Tung, Alexandra Shipp, and Victoria Pedretti. The conversation began when Pedretti prompted Reinhart to discuss “one acting note that you took personally,” leading to her recollection of the director’s insensitive comment. Immediate reactions from her co-stars included gasps and expressions of disbelief. Pedretti could be heard asking for the director’s name and address, while Tung jokingly suggested a “hex,” and Shipp urged Reinhart to reveal more about the individual involved.

This incident highlights the all-too-common scrutiny that women in the entertainment industry endure regarding their bodies. Reinhart’s openness about her experience sheds light on a culture that often prioritises appearance over talent and is emblematic of the pressures faced by many in Hollywood. While she refrained from naming the director, the incident serves as a reminder of the challenges surrounding body acceptance in a profession that can be unforgiving.

The advocate for body positivity, Reinhart has been vocal about her struggles with self-image for several years. Back in 2018, she addressed rampant pregnancy rumours stemming from a single unflattering photograph of herself, attributing much of the distress to the unrealistic beauty standards promoted by the media. “I have struggled with body dysmorphia throughout my life,” she candidly shared during that period, demonstrating the impact such pressures have had on her mental health.

In an Instagram post from 2022, the *Riverdale* actress elaborated on how the entertainment industry’s obsession with women’s bodies has adversely affected her own perspective on body acceptance. She expressed feelings of disillusionment, saying, “I didn’t think being in this industry, that is so obsessed with women’s bodies and weights, could ever mess with my own body acceptance and positivity… but it has.” This statement reflects not only her personal struggles but also resonates with many individuals who face similar pressures in their daily lives.

Most notably, in a 2025 interview with *Self* magazine, Reinhart revealed that filming *Riverdale* had been particularly challenging for her mental health. She disclosed that she developed an eating disorder during the show’s run, admitting that “99% of my thoughts were about my body” while filming its sixth season. These revelations elucidated the severe toll that the demands of the television industry can extract from young actors, propelling ongoing discussions about mental health in entertainment.

Reinhart’s recent comments on TikTok echo a growing movement within the industry, encouraging open conversations about body image and personal well-being. Many actors are slowly coming forward to share their stories, aiming to create a more supportive environment and to challenge antiquated beauty standards. The responses from her co-stars during the interview further demonstrate solidarity, as they rallied around her in surprise and laughter, showing that there is power in unity against such negative experiences.

*Forbidden Fruits*, which sees Reinhart star alongside Tung, Shipp, and Pedretti, presents a narrative that embraces femininity and sisterhood. The film, which portrays four friends running a secretive witchy cult in the basement of a retail store, highlights the complexities of female friendships and the challenges they face. Its release has led to anticipation and excitement among fans, eager to see how these themes are woven into the storyline.

As audiences await *Forbidden Fruits*, Reinhart’s revelations about her past experiences serve as a poignant reminder of the work still required in promoting body positivity and mental well-being within the entertainment industry. Her willingness to confront difficult topics transforms her into a role model for many, illustrating that vulnerability can lead to strength, and that there is always room for change in the pursuit of authenticity and acceptance.