It is no secret that Kate Winslet became a worldwide sensation overnight with Titanic. Starring alongside Leonardo DiCaprio, she gained a huge fan following and critical acclaim but what also followed was a plethora of criticism and rude comments, particularly about her body. Not only was she publically objectified, but she was labeled ‘outspoken’ if she tried to defend herself.
Among the many fans and even certain celebrities who remarked on her body or weight, the Oscar winner faced one of the cruelest insults from the late Hollywood veteran, Joan Rivers.
Kate Winslet Was Cruelly Body Shamed By The Candid Comedian Joan Rivers
If there is one thing about Joan Rivers that everyone remembers, it is her very honest and candid personality. In her long career, the writer and actress has made multiple controversial jokes about anyone and everyone. And during one of her comedy routines, the actress apparently remarked on Kate Winslet’s weight (via The Guardian).
“If she just lost 5lb, Leo would’ve been able to fit on the raft.”
Rivers stated referring to the scene in the movie Titanic when Winslet’s Rose stays on a piece of floating debris while Leonardo DiCaprio‘s Jack drowns tragically after being unable to stay on the makeshift raft due to the lack of space. While this scene has been a subject of much concentration, Rivers’ comments were not appreciated by viewers.
Rivers was known for her sharp wit and sense of humor and made this comment in a comedic context. However, this comment was just one among the sea of negative and critical ones that young Kate Winslet received after her Titanic fame. Not only was she disturbed by such statements, but it damaged her confidence as well.
Kate Winslet Went Through Terrible Times After Being Body-Shamed Post Titanic Fame
Celebrities are often scrutinized and criticized in public by tabloids, fans, and critics. It is one of the many cons of being a ‘celebrity’. While many remain unbothered by such feats, the young Kate Winslet, just barely getting around the fact that she was a global celebrity after Titanic, felt terrible and horrific at how critical the media was about her.
During her interview with The Guardian, the actress stated,
“In my 20s, people would talk about my weight a lot. And I would be called to comment on my physical self. Well, then I got this label of being ballsy and outspoken. No, I was just defending myself. And it was almost laughable how shocking, how critical, how straight-up cruel tabloid journalists were to me. I was still figuring out who the hell I bloody well was! They would comment on my size, they’d estimate what I weighed, they’d print the supposed diet I was on. It was critical and horrible and so upsetting to read.”
While it doesn’t faze her at all now, back then the constant physical commentary was way too damaging for her as she added,
“It damaged my confidence. I didn’t want to go to Hollywood because I remember thinking, ‘God, if this is what they’re saying to me in England, then what will happen when I get there?’ Also, it tampers with your evolving impression of what’s beautiful, you know? I did feel very on my own.”
Now fearless and outspoken, Kate Winslet has a long way from her insecure young self. Unbashed the Oscar-winning actress is an inspiration for all young actresses and women now.
Titanic can be streamed on Netflix.
Source: The Guardian
