Why the controversy over women’s bodies in the blockbuster 'Wicked' is a dangerous trend

Here’s a summary of this article I contributed to. Read the full article on MDLinx.

The recent Wicked movie has sparked widespread praise for its performances, but it’s also ignited troubling conversations about the bodies of its stars, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. Fans and critics alike have speculated about weight loss, with some even suggesting eating disorders or medical conditions like hyperthyroidism. But this scrutiny goes beyond just these two actresses—it sends harmful messages to anyone who’s listening.

Here’s why the debate is so dangerous:

• Body Commentary Feeds Harmful Narratives: When people publicly comment on a celebrity’s body, it reinforces the idea that your worth is tied to your appearance. This not only fuels unhealthy standards but also sets a precedent for others to feel justified in commenting on anyone’s body—celebrity or not.

• Triggering for People in Eating Disorder Recovery: For those recovering from eating disorders, these comments can be especially painful. They create a sense that no matter what, bodies will always be judged—and that the journey to recovery is constantly at risk of being undermined by society’s harmful ideals of thinness.

• Thin Doesn’t Always Equal Disordered Eating: Being thin doesn’t always mean someone has an eating disorder. Medical conditions, medications, stress, or just natural body composition can all influence weight. But these factors are rarely acknowledged when people make assumptions.

So why does this matter? While we’ve made strides in body positivity, public scrutiny of bodies—especially in the case of Grande and Erivo—feels like a huge setback. We must ask ourselves: What does it say about society when we continue to fixate on bodies instead of celebrating talent, beauty, and individuality?