The Grammy-winning artist, Billie Eilish, has opened up about the profound impact social media has had on her body image, stating that she “wouldn’t be able to exist” if she were navigating the internet as an 11-year-old today. Eilish, has been subjected to body-shaming comments throughout her career, and she acknowledged that while she now values herself more, the negativity still takes an emotional toll.
In an interview with US Vogue, Eilish expressed the difficulty of dealing with online negativity, particularly concerning her body. She shared her perspective on how the internet’s current discourse would have affected her younger self, emphasizing the potential detrimental impact on her existence.
Despite a more positive self-perception now, Eilish admitted that the online hatred from trolls has taken a toll, and she is still grappling with the challenges it poses. The singer addressed the scrutiny she has faced over her appearance, noting the criticism for transitioning from her initial style of baggy clothing to more traditionally feminine outfits. Eilish confronted critics, labeling them “true idiots” and urging them to let women exist without imposing restrictive expectations.
Eilish also touched upon her teenage struggles with body image, revealing her diagnosis of hypermobility syndrome, a connective tissue disorder causing joint pain. She candidly discussed her initial resentment towards her body, describing a process of acknowledging that her body is an integral part of herself and not an adversary.