Lili Reinhart responds to criticism that Riverdale cast is ‘perfectly chiseled’: ‘I have cellulite and my stomach sticks out’

‘I have gained weight due to depression the last two months and I’ve felt very insecure about it,’ actor reveals

(Getty Images for MTV)

Lili Reinhart has spoken out about gaining weight due to depression after a fan criticised Riverdale, the hit show on which she stars, for promoting unrealistic body ideals.

On Thursday, the actor replied to a now-deleted tweet which asked: “Why is every single person on Riverdale a 25+ year old portraying teenager with perfectly chiselled bodies? Don’t you think TV shows like this aimed at teenagers are contributing to unrealistic body expectations body image issues [sic]?”

Reinhart swiftly replied by arguing that not everyone on the show is “perfectly chiselled” and went on to open up about her own body insecurities.

“Even I feel intimidated by the physique of my surrounding cast mates sometimes when I have to do bra/underwear scenes,” she said.

The 23-year-old actor added that she has previously felt “very insecure” due to the expectations people have for women on TV.

“But I have come to terms with my body and that I’m not the kind of person you would see walking on a runway during fashion week,” she continued.

“I have bigger boobs, I have cellulite on my thighs/butt, and my stomach sticks out rather than curves in.”

The actor explained that she struggles with her body image on a “daily basis” and it doesn’t help when people compare her to other women.

“I have gained weight due to depression the last two months and I’ve felt very insecure about it,” she added.

“But I did a recent bra and underwear scene and felt it was my obligation to be strong and show confidence in myself, looking as I do.

“And I want other young women to see my body on TV and feel comfort in the fact that I’m not a size 0. And I’m not a perfect hourglass shape.”

Reinhart added that the TV industry “struggles” to accurately represent male and female bodies.

“So I commend the women who have helped our industry take a step in the right and authentic direction,” she concluded before adding that British model Charli Howard is her “favourite role model”.

Reinhart’s tweets have already garnered thousand of likes and shares, with fans thanking her for being so candid about her own struggles.

“Thank you for being so authentic,” wrote one person. “Being open about how you see your body is so inspiring. you are such a refreshing light in this world which is what makes you so beautiful.”

“Thank you for normalising these insecurities,” added another. “We all have them but we’re also all beautiful too.”