Tess Holliday Says a United Flight Attendant Told Her to ‘Lose Weight’ While She Was Traveling with Her Child: ‘I Was Just Frozen’ (Exclusive)

Model Tess Holliday Faces Body-Shaming on United Airlines Flight

Renowned model and activist, Tess Holliday, recently opened up about a distressing incident on a United Airlines flight where she was body-shamed by a flight attendant. The incident unfolded as Holliday was departing from Tampa alongside her 9-year-old son, Bowie. Holliday recalls accidentally hitting the flight attendant call button with her hip while in the restroom, which sparked the unsolicited remarks about her weight.

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Holliday shared her experience of being confronted by the flight attendant who advised her to “lose weight” for her own well-being. The situation escalated when the flight attendant began recounting a personal anecdote about his sister, who he claimed was a similar size to Holliday and had faced discrimination on a previous flight due to her weight. Despite feeling shocked and uncomfortable, Holliday refrained from causing a scene as her son was accompanying her on the flight.

Following the incident, Holliday engaged with United Airlines, who offered an apology in response. Not seeking punitive measures against the flight attendant, Holliday suggested that sensitivity training could be beneficial in preventing similar occurrences in the future. Additionally, she recommended the airline to seek guidance from the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance, an advocacy group dedicated to combating discrimination based on body size.

The timing of the incident was particularly poignant for Holliday, as she had just concluded a speaking engagement where she addressed hundreds of students about body positivity and self-acceptance. Reflecting on the irony of the situation, Holliday emphasized the importance of standing up against body shaming and bullying. She referenced her recently published book, “Take Up Space Y’all,” co-authored with Kelly Coon, which offers guidance for young adults on embracing their bodies and navigating societal pressures.

An outspoken advocate for plus-size representation, Holliday is vocal about the challenges faced by models in the fashion industry. During a recent appearance on Good Morning Britain, she highlighted the dwindling opportunities for plus-size models due to the industry’s preference for thinner standards. Holliday’s commitment to promoting body diversity remains unwavering as she continues to champion inclusivity and self-love.

In a world where societal norms often dictate beauty standards, Holliday’s courage in speaking out against body shaming serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of embracing diversity and rejecting harmful stereotypes. As her story resonates with many individuals who have faced similar instances of discrimination, Holliday’s advocacy shines a spotlight on the ongoing need for greater acceptance and celebration of all body types.