Phaith Montoya, a prominent advocate for body positivity, recently shared her excitement about seeing Chrissy Metz perform on Broadway in the musical *& Juliet*. Montoya, who has cultivated a platform focusing on body acceptance, expressed her admiration for Metz during an interview with PEOPLE, highlighting the significance of the actress’s presence in the entertainment world at a time when plus-size representations are increasingly overlooked.
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Metz, best known for her role in the series *This Is Us*, is currently starring in *& Juliet* through September, making her much-anticipated debut on the Broadway stage. Following the performance, Montoya described the experience as a poignant moment for the plus-size community, stating, “Seeing Chrissy onstage meant so much to us. In a climate where we’re told our bodies do not deserve to exist, her resilience inspires us to believe we can achieve anything—and look fabulous while doing it!”
Montoya shared her enthusiasm and thoughts on Instagram, along with a video capturing her backstage meeting with Metz. Her post resonated widely, amassing over 250,000 views, and prompting numerous comments from fellow followers who felt a profound connection to the moment.
One user remarked, “Plus-size bodies are being erased everywhere… this was special.” Others expressed gratitude for the two women’s presence during a challenging era for body representation in media. One fan mentioned, “This meant a lot to me,” while another reflected, “Chrissy was the first woman who made me realise that being fat was never the problem; it was being raised by fat-phobic people.”
Montoya has become known for her empowering messages, often encouraging her followers to embrace their bodies. In previous posts, she has shared sentiments like, “Life’s too short to hate the body that held me together through every second of it. So I simply won’t.” These messages have struck a chord with many, promoting positive body image and self-acceptance.
The influence of Metz extends beyond her performances. The actress has been an outspoken advocate for body acceptance, often candidly discussing her own struggles with body image and disordered eating. In a conversation with PEOPLE last August, she addressed her weight loss journey, expressing complicated feelings about the use of GLP-1 medications. “There are too many people who think if you’re not thin enough, you’re not good enough,” she said, adding that while some might need medication for health purposes, it can pose risks for individuals with existing issues related to eating habits.
At 45 years old, Metz has been a staunch supporter of body positivity, acknowledging the importance of addressing internal struggles tied to body image. She frequently engages in therapeutic practices, aiming to heal from her past experiences of turning to food for comfort. “I’ve had thin, beautiful women with their jogging strollers tell me, ‘You don’t know how much your story helped me,'” Metz shared, illustrating how vulnerability can resonate across diverse experiences.
The collaboration between Montoya and Metz highlights a powerful narrative within contemporary society—one that advocates for inclusivity and acceptance of all body types. As they stand together, they not only celebrate individual journeys but also lift the voices of those who feel unseen in the realm of entertainment.
Their efforts come at a crucial time when the cultural landscape is beginning to shift towards embracing diversity in body shapes and sizes. Metz’s Broadway debut serves as a beacon of hope for many who seek representation and validation within the arts, emphasising that talent and worth are not dictated by size.
Ultimately, both women exemplify how personal experiences can lead to broader societal impacts, advocating for a future where every body is seen and celebrated.