Austen Whibley, a plus-size model and softball coach, has recently gone viral after sharing a troubling encounter at New York Fashion Week (NYFW) that highlighted the ongoing stigma surrounding body image. In a TikTok video that has amassed over 180,000 views, Whibley recounted an unexpected and rude comment made by a stranger regarding her weight while she was waiting for an elevator.
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The incident occurred during Whibley’s busy schedule of casting calls for NYFW. She was approached by a woman in the lobby of an office building, who questioned her about why she had missed the previous elevator. Whibley explained that a knee injury from her college athletic career had caused her to be delayed. However, the situation took a turn for the worse when the stranger accused her of being “lazy” and suggested that her health would benefit from orthotic shoes instead of surgery.
Speaking to PEOPLE, Whibley reflected on the impact of the stranger’s words, describing them as “incredibly rude and judgmental”. She expressed her frustration over the unsolicited advice, stating, “I’ve been to the doctor. I’m fine, stop talking to me.” The conversation escalated further when the woman explicitly told Whibley to “lose weight,” prompting a firm response from the model.
“F— off,” was Whibley’s blunt reply as the elevator doors opened. She asserted her success and health, noting her experience walking for major brands such as Nike and Savage x Fenty, despite being a size 16. Her candidness on social media serves as a reminder of the unhealthy culture surrounding body image and the stigma that many plus-size individuals still face.
Whibley believes that comments about weight are inherently rude and discouraging, particularly when they come from strangers. She shared her astonishment at the woman’s lack of understanding, noting that even with her claimed professional background as a registered dietitian, such remarks are still inappropriate. “Have we forgotten that it’s so incredibly rude to comment on people’s weights?” Whibley queried in her TikTok post.
Before embarking on her modelling career, Whibley was a dedicated athlete, playing softball for 14 years, including four years as a starting pitcher at Kenyon College. Her experience with sports provided her with a strong foundation of self-confidence, focused more on her body’s capabilities than its appearance. This background has shaped her perspective on body image issues within the fashion industry.
“I already had a deep understanding and appreciation of what my body, a size 16, could do,” Whibley shared. Despite the challenges she faces as a plus-size model, she remains grounded in her competence and achievements. Whibley explained that many of the subtle issues she encounters—like being the only curve model on set—are systemic within the industry, rather than personal attacks.
Interestingly, Whibley noted that the woman who commented on her weight was also plus-sized. This observation led her to consider the prevalence of internalised fatphobia in society, suggesting that many people harbour negative feelings about bodies that do not conform to traditional standards of size.
Despite not landing a runway spot at this year’s NYFW, Whibley remains optimistic about her career trajectory. She highlighted the number of new curve models who debuted at this season’s shows and the valuable connections she made with designers. “I learned quickly that just because things may be quiet for a moment, it doesn’t mean things aren’t happening behind the scenes,” she explained, maintaining a positive outlook on her experiences in the modelling industry.
Through her story, Whibley hopes to inspire others to embrace their bodies and dismiss unsolicited opinions concerning their health and appearance. “You don’t owe anyone an explanation about the decisions you make pertaining to your body,” she emphasised. “People’s assumptions about weight are not indicative of health, and everyone deserves to feel confident in their skin.”
Ultimately, Whibley encourages women to reject societal pressures and embrace their uniqueness without conforming to externally imposed standards. Her testament to resilience and self-acceptance serves as a powerful call for change in how society views and discusses body image.