Singers fight back against body shaming

Despite 2014 being the Year of the Booty, musicians are never free of body scrutiny. Nicki Minaj is frequently criticized for oversexualizing her assets, while Meghan Trainor has been slammed for being proud of her plus-sized figure. Both Minaj and Trainor have been accused of skinny shaming, as well. Adele and Kelly Clarkson recently drew criticism for their fuller pre- and post-pregnancy frames. The body shaming that occurs in the media is not female-exclusive — Sam Smith is often put down for not emulating the ideal muscular male body type, while Ed Sheeran’s weight loss after cutting back on drinking frequently made headlines.

Many musicians are fighting back on social media. For instance, Lady Gaga took to Twitter to comment on the ongoing controversy.

“I am proud at any size,” Gaga said following online chatter about her weight gain.

Demi Lovato, who underwent treatment for bulimia, also used the social media platform to comment on her weight criticism.

“I’m happy and healthy, and if you’re hating on my weight you obviously aren’t,” Lovato said.

Body positive songs have blown up the charts as well. Colbie Caillat video for “Try” shows women with natural hair and without make-up, proving prettiness is not dependent on primping. Trainor’s “All About that Bass” promotes the message that “every inch of you is perfect from the bottom to the top,” regardless of size. Both videos feature women who are beautiful without adhering to the traditional music video vamp standards of revealing outfits and highly sexualized dance moves.

The bottom line is that musicians are in the business to produce great music. Adele commented on the subject best.

“I don’t make music for eyes, I make music for ears,” Adele said.

A version of this article appeared in the Thursday, April 9 print edition. Email Rachel A.G. Gilman at music@nyunews.com