Scarlett Moffatt hits back at online body shamers: 'This needs to stop'

The former Gogglebox star says she was left in tears after reading the hurtful comments

(Getty Images)

Former Gogglebox star Scarlett Moffatt has hit out at trolls who criticised the way she looks and made a plea for things “to change with our society.”

The TV presenter and previous queen of the I’m A Celebrity jungle posted a series of emotional tweets after appearing on Love Island spin-off show Aftersun.

The 27-year-old made the comments in retaliation to body shamers, who she said “attacked” her over her appearance, leaving her in tears.

Moffatt said that she was “honestly ashamed of some people” adding: "Hard to pretend I’m ok and be a good role model to others about how it’s ok to just [be] you when the comments from grown adults on here have resulted in me crying my eyes out! I hope you’re very proud of yourselves."

She also used the opportunity to comfort others who may be experiencing similar things, asking them to never “let other people stop you from doing what you love.”

Following her initial tweet, followers and celebrities were quick to jump to Moffatt’s defence and show her their support.

Love Island presenter Caroline Flack tweeted: “You were brilliant tonight. And lovely to chat after”.

Meanwhile, former Love Island contestant Olivia Buckland responded by saying she had received similar criticism from body shaming trolls.

“Babe I can feel this so much. Happened to me yesterday I broke down. From one strong lady to another; we're better than that”, she wrote.

One of the star’s fans also showed support, adding: “Imagine how sad their life must be to be sending hate to a beautiful successful young woman."

Shortly after her initial posts, Moffatt followed up with one more tweet to remind people that it wasn’t just her who these types of insensitive comments hurt.

“I wanted and felt like I had to write that tweet to let you know at the end of the day I’m a 27-year-old girl with feelings and a family who get upset also when they see vile comments about my appearance,” she wrote.

“Something needs to change with our society!!”

The TV presenter has previously spoken out about how bullies have impacted her self-esteem, both on and offline.

She revealed that growing up she was often on the receiving end of nasty comments after suffering from Bell’s Palsy - a condition that that causes temporary paralysis of the muscles in the face – and was left with black teeth after being hit by a car while riding a bike as a teen.

More recently, Moffatt has shared her experiences via social media by posting a picture on Instagram to say that she was “blocking out the haters."