Storm Keating has shared an emotional post, as she addresses body shaming. Last week the mother-of-two posted a snap of herself in a bikini as she and her son Cooper walked down the beach.
Sadly, after posting the photo, her comments were filled with people criticising how she looked. As a result of this, Storm has decided to speak out on the topic, revealing that these kinds of hurtful comments have followed her for years.
She said; “Last week I posted a photo of myself with my son on the beach. I was taken aback when my post was met by a few judgemental comments about my body size.”
“At first I wasn’t all that bothered because I know how these things go, but when the post kept getting traction & then the press started writing about it too, I’ve decided it would be constructive to address it. Not just for me, but for all women who are in a similar position to myself in one way or another.”
Continuing, the model shared that this criticism is something has dealt with for a long time; “Firstly I am not a stranger to people judging my body size, I have been thin my entire life like many other members of my extended family.”
“As a kid I adopted unflattering nicknames like Skelator, Toothpick & Twiggy & was made to feel like a boy for not having curves & boobs. I was insecure about my body for many years & didn’t feel feminine or ‘womanly’ because there is a strong message perpetuated that this is what it takes to look like a “real women”.”
However, she shared that her own perception of her body image has changed throughout the years; “As I got older I started enjoying the upside of having “skinny genes” and today feel grateful that I can eat what I want, when I want, and without having to worry about dieting or regular exercise routines.”
“Sadly there is still a downside though – this being that some people assume that all women with slight frames don’t eat. This is simply not true and aside from being frustrating, this is also where it becomes offensive.”
Opening up about the comments on her recent post she shared; “One comment on my previous post claimed that the photo of my son & I on the beach was promoting negative body image, which basically implies that I shouldn’t post photos of myself and my children at the beach because of the way I look when wearing a swimsuit. That is absurd & rude.”
“These kinds of comments are counterproductive in an era where we are trying to encourage women to feel comfortable in their own skin and accept that women come in all shapes and sizes – just because we might be larger or skinner than the “norm” doesn’t mean we are unhealthy.”
“There is nothing unhealthy about me or my diet & I’d like to think that I promote a positive social media presence that focuses on wholesome values, family, kindness & love.”
When her previous post became flooded with people either criticising or supporting Storm, her husband, Ronan Keating jumped to her defence and replied to one of the comments.
The Boyzone star said;“Don’t know who you are but perhaps look at yourself and how your loved ones look at you. Your comment makes me think your friends and family don’t think much of you.”
“My wife is adored by me and everyone that knows her and that’s irrelevant of her shape or size. She is the healthiest person I know and eats whatever she wants. She always has.”
Continuing, he said; “Shame on you for judging and for trying to shame her for sharing what is a beautiful photo of her and her son.”
