Yes that hurt….

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS ENTRY HAS SINCE BEEN EDITTED FROM THE ORIGINAL.

Recently a relatively harmless interview was conducted by the local newspaper ‘Bucks Herald’ regarding my forthcoming movie role. You can read the whole article here. Yes probably not the most ground breaking of articles but then its not the most likely of stories for a local newspaper in Buckinghamshire to run. None the less when Andrew Kay approached me about writing such an item he was a lovely man who was professional and had done his research so I was glad to oblige.

Like any performer we advertise our press and media coverage and so I did: Twitter, facebook and on my own blog. Thinking that on the whole it would be well received, I was not and have never been under the illusion that there may not be some bad press. Lets be honest I am never going to be everyone’s cup of tea…I am a preferred coffee drinker anyway. :p

Through the various searches I have automatically sent to me (I recommend it as its a good resource and was recommended to me by some PR people I know). I was surprised to see people discussing the article’s images etc namely the use of the zebra. One person felt the article had ‘so much wrong with it but thats neither here nor there as it is personal opinion and in this world of social media everyone can voice it.

It then emerged after an email from the ‘search engine checks’, that my site had been used alongside the reference ‘she’s big girl’ in response to one person’s comments regarding the article and linking my site. I was surprised to learn this person (a gentleman) runs a consultancy firm specialising in helping people find healthier and happier lives…or so the site said. This man’s tweet does not outright make me to be a bad person; but in his choice of a 140 characters he decided to comment I was a big girl. Yes he is entitled to opinions to and I am mine.

Here it is….my opinion that is.

At first glance there is nothing sinister I suppose but the implication being that perhaps my size is not good or a fault. (remembering this is my opinion) Whilst looking at the man’s site ( as advertised on his twitter account and is therefore representing…) they say in the ‘about’ page they specialise  in helping others find a healthier, happier life but surely that doesnt stand to reason if my size is being used against me. Before anyone kicks off that I am over reacting, since retweeting this comment a number of people have come forward and taken this tweet as an insult. I just wish that instead of simply stopping at my size, this gentleman had ‘dug deeper’ and found that I actually I am more than just a ‘big girl’, ex military for example surely there is something more worthwhile there to comment on?But again this is personal choice.

I hope this man realises this isnt a hate you campaign or anything awful but that as a person who works for such a company striving to make people happier perhaps remarks such as this arent the way forward. It seems rather juvenile and playground. Something not befitting a man who clearly is more worldly experienced/trained etc as he appears to be. We are all guilty of such digs from time to time but lets learn to leave it. Making people feel horrible is not leading to a happier life nor certainly a healthier life. I may not be in peak performance healthwise but walk a mile in my heels with my medical background/past and I will accept the size comment. I know I am bigger than the average actress but am the average UK clothing size which is size 14/16 (As stated in such newspapers as the Daily Mail, the Independent etc). But that is neither here nor there. Big or small is not a deciding factor in my ability as a person. By making a dig at me regardless of who you are, you are insulting a large portion of the population. Just saying. Sadly whether intended or not, this man did not feel the need to direct the relevant tweet at me (instead referring to my website showreel) which is his call but I also know if insult was meant his view is not a lone view. Sadly, welcome to the playground that is the world.

As a burlesque performer I develop a tough shell about myself but what about Joe Average? They hear these comments and are they not hurt by them? I dont think it is fair to judge someone on their size…oh she is skinny therefore lovely etc. Fat, big, skinny, slim etc used to be descriptive words but in today’s society they are being banded about in the form of insults. Being referred to as ‘big’ isnt wht upset me. Its the implication that I am bad because I am big.

I wish you well. And I hope you see this as not me hating you but sticking up for plus size women who are actually the UK average and those who arent. There is nothing wrong with my curves, I work hard, pay taxes and am educated. My curves earn me a living so please allow me to be the way I am and look beyond my clothing size. Oh and a recent health check showed I am pretty healthy bar some minor problems with my skin.

Yes I am aware this could be regarded as a storm in a teacup and undoubtedly this could be true but when you hear women (and men) tell you of people being vile to them about their size; big or small, I felt like addressing the issue and where I stand on it.

EDIT: The same goes for my slimmer friends. You get as much stick as the plus size amongst us so I stand up for you too. Glorian (see comments below) raises a good point! Made me cry. Further edit has been to remove names to stop a witch hunt….or backlash though legally I am informed there cant be as it is all based on facts in the public domain which is wonderful to know…ha!