Katie Price, the 46-year-old former glamour model, ignited a firestorm of criticism after sharing a video on her Facebook page that depicted an obese man struggling to enter a sports car, accompanied by laughter from his friend and comical music added by the original creator. Price, who added her own watermark to the video, was accused of “fat shaming” by many of her three million followers. This controversy is especially sensitive given that Price’s eldest son, Harvey, suffers from Prader-Willi syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that causes insatiable hunger and often leads to significant weight gain. Harvey, who has reached nearly 29 stone in the past, faces serious health risks, including a heightened risk of heart attack, due to his weight. Price herself has openly expressed her anxieties about Harvey’s health and has previously sought help from her followers in acquiring gym equipment for him.
The backlash against Price stems from the perceived hypocrisy of her mocking another individual’s weight struggles while her own son battles a similar, albeit medically induced, condition. Commenters on her post pointed out the irony of her actions, reminding her of past instances where Harvey was the target of online trolling and body shaming. They argued that she, of all people, should understand the pain and humiliation such mockery can inflict and should therefore refrain from perpetuating it. The criticism underscores the inherent contradiction in publicly expressing concern for her son’s weight while seemingly making light of another person’s similar struggles.
Price’s history with Harvey’s weight management struggles further complicates the situation. She has documented her efforts to control Harvey’s food intake, describing the challenges posed by his constant hunger and the behavioral issues that arise when he is denied food. She has resorted to extreme measures like padlocking the fridge and recounted instances of Harvey searching for food in visitors’ bags and even eating in his sleep. These details highlight the constant vigilance and difficult decisions Price faces in managing Harvey’s condition, making her recent actions all the more perplexing to her followers.
The controversy surrounding Price’s post brings into focus the complex issue of fat shaming and the double standard often applied to individuals with weight challenges. While concern for an individual’s health is often cited as a justification for commenting on their weight, such comments can be deeply hurtful and counterproductive. In Price’s case, her actions appear to contradict her own expressed anxieties about her son’s weight, highlighting the disconnect between publicly advocating for compassion and understanding while seemingly engaging in behavior that perpetuates stigma.
Adding another layer to the controversy is Harvey’s recent progress in weight management. Since moving into residential care during the week, Harvey has successfully lost two stone, a significant achievement that Price has celebrated. She has shared videos of Harvey enjoying healthier meals and even allowing himself occasional treats, demonstrating a balanced approach to his dietary needs. This progress, however, further underscores the insensitivity of Price’s post, as it suggests a lack of empathy for others struggling with weight issues, even as she celebrates her son’s success in overcoming similar challenges.
Ultimately, the criticism leveled against Price underscores the need for greater sensitivity and understanding when discussing weight, particularly in the context of online platforms. Her actions serve as a reminder of the potential harm caused by thoughtless jokes and mockery, especially when directed at vulnerable individuals. Furthermore, the controversy highlights the importance of consistency in our actions and words, particularly for public figures whose influence can either contribute to or combat harmful stereotypes. Price’s decision to share the video, despite her own personal experience with her son’s weight struggles, has left many feeling disappointed and questioning her sincerity.
