Entertainment

‘The Bachelor’ Australia’s Bella Varelis Claps Back At A Body Shamer Who Said She Had A “Strange Shape”

"People like this are the reason young women and men struggle with body image and self-esteem"
After a year filled with reality TV drama, Bella Varelis continues to make headlines but this time, it’s less about post-show drama and more about dealing with the hateful aftermath she receives from online trolls.

According to The WashThe Bachelor Australia runner-up took to Instagram to reveal the disgusting body-shaming comments she receives from her followers.

Bella Varelis
(Credit: @bellavarelis)

She added: “It gets exhausting and I just want it to stop. I want it to stop for me, but also for people who read these comments and think it’s the norm. Speaking about women as objects, analysing their weight and saying you would ‘take them for a ride’ is especially repugnant.”

“Saying all I need to do is stay the ‘correct’ weight is… f**ked? It implies that to have worth I need to stay thin, and that my value exists only when I fit into a standard of beauty that is not realistic.”

Both Chatfield and Varelis’ experiences with online abuse not only shines a light on the unfair reality behind TV fame, but also spotlights the unrealistic and damaging expectations that are held against women and our bodies—and it needs to stop. Threatening, bullying and shaming someone is never okay.

If you, or anyone you know is experiencing an eating disorder or body image concerns, you can call the Butterfly Foundation National Helpline on 1800 33 4673 (ED HOPE) or visit www.thebutterflyfoundaton.org.au.

Related stories