TikTok star Charli D’Amelio opened up about her eating disorder struggles via Instagram Stories on Thursday, September 10.
“I’ve always tried to use my voice when it comes to issues surrounding body image, but I’ve never talked about my own struggles with eating disorders,” she wrote in the candid post. “It’s so uncomfortable to admit to even your closest friends and family, let alone the world. I’ve been afraid to share that I have an eating disorder, but ultimately I hope that by sharing this I can help someone else.”
Charli, 16, continued, “I know eating disorders are something that so many other people are also battling behind closed doors.”
Charli’s message comes after she received backlash from fans after using the song “Prom Queen” by the group Beach Bunny in a now-deleted TikTok video. The song includes lyrics that read: “Shut up, count your calories / I never look good in mom jeans / Wish I was like you / Blue-eyed blondie, perfect body.”
Previously, Beach Bunny addressed the controversial song lyrics in a pinned comment to YouTube.
“I wrote this song for every person out there that has felt insecure, unloved, or unhappy in their own skin — it is in no way meant to glamorize, encourage, or promote eating disorders, body hatred, or body shaming in any form,” the post reads. “The lyrics are a criticism on modern beauty standards and the harmful effects beauty standards can have on people — I wrote this song from a female’s perspective as I myself have dealt with insecurities and done unhealthy things in my past to live up to the American beauty standard — but this song is meant for everyone. You are worthy of love, you are beautiful just the way you are, and beauty is a social construct — please don’t harm your health or well-being to live up to these invented expectations, it is not worth risking your life over.”
In her social media post, Charli apologized for her use of the song and explained that she didn’t realize the lyrics “could have triggered” viewers.
“I deeply and truly apologize and I hope you know that I never intended to cause you harm,” the influencer wrote, before sharing a link to the National Eating Disorders Association. “For anyone that is struggling with this, I know some days can be worse than others.”
She added, “I need you to know you are not alone. Remember it’s OK to reach out and get help. We all need help sometimes. I love you all and please stay strong.”
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