Tess Holliday, a prominent model and body positivity advocate, has taken to social media to confront the wave of body-shaming comments she has recently received. The 41-year-old, known for her outspoken stance on self-acceptance and representation, shared a defiant video on TikTok, responding to the hurtful remarks that have been directed at her.
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In her TikTok video posted on August 13, 2023, Holliday candidly listed various derogatory comments, including “You’re so fat,” “Ew disgusting,” and “Lose weight,” among others. She addressed these criticisms with a bold and empowered response, stating, “Sorry, I couldn’t hear you over how good I look,” accompanied by audio affirming the importance of shining one’s light in the face of negativity.
Her message resonated with many, as she continues to champion the importance of confidence and body positivity amid ongoing scrutiny about her appearance. “Listen b—-, your light is gonna irritate some people. Shine anyway,” she endorsed, reinforcing her belief that self-love must prevail against external judgment.
Holliday has a track record of confronting critics. Earlier in May 2025, she responded sharply to suggestions that she should consider weight-loss medications, particularly Ozempic, to align better with societal beauty standards. In response to a follower’s suggestion, she questioned, “Because not everyone wants to be skinny babe💋,” showcasing her dedication to promoting diverse body types and rejecting pressure to conform.
This isn’t the first time Holliday has tackled commentary regarding her size. In a previous TikTok post, a user had urged her to “just take the Ozempic,” implying that her weight was a problem to be solved. Holliday’s insight into the complexities of being plus-sized reflected her lived experiences, as she stated, “You’re damned if you do, damned if you don’t,” emphasising the harsh realities that plus-sized individuals face no matter the choices they make regarding their bodies.
As a mother of two, Holliday also advocates for acceptance not just on a personal level but as a societal imperative. Her interactions with followers underline a growing community that supports one another against society’s unrealistic beauty expectations. Many commenters have defended her, illustrating a shared frustration with societal standards that seem to question the worth of individuals based on their size.
Amidst this turbulent landscape of online criticism, Holliday remains resolute and refuses to let negativity hinder her self-esteem. Her approach serves as both a rebuttal to naysayers and an inspiration to others. “Let us live our own lives,” is a sentiment echoed by her supporters, highlighting a collective desire for freedom from judgement.
Ultimately, Tess Holliday is not just standing up for herself; she is also carving out a space for others who face similar battles with self-image and body acceptance. In a world where the pressures of physical appearance can be overwhelming, her advocacy for embracing one’s natural self is a powerful reminder that confidence can triumph over disparagement.
Through her social media presence, Holliday continues to positively impact many and cultivate a movement that challenges harmful narratives about body image. Her defiance in the face of criticism has not only bolstered her own confidence but has also encouraged a broader dialogue about the value of diversity in body shapes and sizes.