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Wentworth Miller responds to cruel meme about his weight in an extraordinary way
I already thought highly of Wentworth Miller for coming out publicly in 2013.
But my respect and appreciation for the Legends of Tomorrow and The Flash star have reached new levels after reading his Facebook from earlier today. Someone tried to body shame the former Prison Break star and he really took them on by sharing his story.
He writes:
Today I found myself the subject of an Internet meme. Not for the first time. This one, however, stands out from the rest. In 2010, semi-retired from acting, I was keeping a low-profile for a number of reasons.
First and foremost, I was suicidal.
This is a subject I’ve since written about, spoken about, shared about. But at the time I suffered in silence. As so many do. The extent of my struggle known to very, very few. Ashamed and in pain, I considered myself damaged goods. And the voices in my head urged me down the path to self-destruction. Not for the first time. I’ve struggled with depression since childhood. It’s a battle that’s cost me time, opportunities, relationships, and a thousand sleepless nights.
In 2010, at the lowest point in my adult life, I was looking everywhere for relief/comfort/distraction. And I turned to food. It could have been anything. Drugs. Alcohol. Sex. But eating became the one thing I could look forward to. Count on to get me through. There were stretches when the highlight of my week was a favorite meal and a new episode of TOP CHEF. Sometimes that was enough. Had to be. And I put on weight. Big f–king deal.
One day, out for a hike in Los Angeles with a friend, we crossed paths with a film crew shooting a reality show. Unbeknownst to me, paparazzi were circling. They took my picture, and the photos were published alongside images of me from another time in my career. “Hunk To Chunk.” “Fit To Flab.” Etc. My mother has one of those “friends” who’s always the first to bring you bad news. They clipped one of these articles from a popular national magazine and mailed it to her. She called me, concerned. In 2010, fighting for my mental health, it was the last thing I needed.
Long story short, I survived. So do those pictures. I’m glad. Now, when I see that image of me in my red t-shirt, a rare smile on my face, I am reminded of my struggle. My endurance and my perseverance in the face of all kinds of demons. Some within. Some without. Like a dandelion up through the pavement, I persist. Anyway. Still. Despite.
The first time I saw this meme pop up in my social media feed, I have to admit, it hurt to breathe. But as with everything in life, I get to assign meaning. And the meaning I assign to this/my image is Strength. Healing. Forgiveness. Of myself and others. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Reach out. Text. Send an email. Pick up the phone. Someone cares. They’re waiting to hear from you. Much love. – W.M.
Comments
(All comments are reviewed before being published, and I review submissions several times per day.)
paty says:
Wow! How beautifully poignant.I’m so glad to hear he was victorious over depression. Depression is an awful disease. So glad he won!!!!!
tim says:
I always admired him and thought he was pretty hot….still do!
Jim says:
This is how a kind, smart, classy, graceful man handles thoughtless people. I admire him, I applaud him.
Joe says:
Wentworth is a classy, beautiful man. His response was intelligent and honest. To me, he’s gorgeous no matter what his weight.
FAEN says:
Well said Wentworth. Depression can warp your thinking (I know this from personal experience)and isolate you. Most of these idiots have never been through it but have to problem commenting on it. Well fuck them.
Glad you’re out of the wilderness. Stay strong.
Matt says:
Thank you so much for including this very special, postive and moving reply by Wentworth Miller on your site, Greg. Have always admired Miller as an actor, but now my respect for him as a person knows no bounds.
R MORGAN says:
THIS MAN DESERVES ALL OUR RESPECT..AND I HOPE all gay guys who might be going through what he has, see this and come through it with his advise and triumph …go for it guys!! THANKS WENTWORTH FOR THIS and so much more!!