Flash star Grant Gustin hits back at body shamers and new suit critics

'I'm happy with my body and who I am and other kids who are built like me and thinner than me should be able to feel the same way'

(CW)

Grant Gustin, star of CW’s The Flash, has stood up to the body shamers who criticised his character’s new suit, and the actor’s overall slim physique, after an unofficial image leaked onto the internet.

The image appeared to show a revamped version of the suit that utilised a thinner, non-leather material for the body of the costume, with a mask that doesn’t cover the actor’s chin.

Gustin, who’s starred as the DC superhero since 2014, is set to return for an upcoming fifth season – with some online commentators feeling the need to weigh in on Gustin’s appearance in an image never intended to be seen by the public, from what appears to be an early costume fitting.

“So here’s the thing about this bullsh*t photo leak,” Gustin wrote in response on Instagram. “It’s a cool suit. There’s a terrible photo that I was unaware was being taken, much less being posted. Some things need work and they will be worked on. We’ll get there.”

“As far as the body shaming. That’s what pisses me off. Not even just for my sake,” he said. “I’ve had 20+ years of kids and adults telling me or my parents that I was too thin. But there’s a double standard where it’s OK to talk sh*t about a dude’s body.”

"I do my best to stay in shape and add as much size as I can throughout these seasons. I'm naturally thin, and my appetite is greatly affected by stress. Stress is something that ebbs and flows for me throughout a season. Thus, gaining weight is a challenge for me."

“I didn’t cast a slim actor as The Flash. I went to an audition for a role I never dreamed I’d actually book. But, here I am 5 seasons later. I’m happy with my body and who I am and other kids who are built like me and thinner than me should be able to feel the same way. Not only that, but they should be able to feel like THEY could be a superhero on TV or film or whatever it may be some day.”

“I love the suit that has been designed for me, and I think when everyone sees it in its entirety, you will love it too,” he wrote. “Things have been adjusted since that leaked shot was taken, and more things will continue to be adjusted until it feels right.”

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