Jonah Hill has called out the Daily Mail for posting shirtless photos from his recent surf trip.- The actor said he's dealt with years of insecurity about his body, worsened by the media.
- At 37 years old, Hill said he finally loves himself, and encouraged others to do the same.
Actor Jonah Hill called out the Daily Mail for posting candid shots of the actor shirtless after surfing, part of what he said has been a pattern of the media trying to body-shame him.
"I don't think I ever took my shirt off in a pool until I was in my mid 30s even in front of family and friends. Probably would have happened sooner if my childhood insecurities weren't exacerbated by years of public mockery about my body by press and interviewers," he wrote.
Hill posted the comments late Friday night on his Instagram page, saying that the "stalking" and media attention no longer fazed him.
"I'm 37 and finally love and accept myself," he wrote.
The actor, made famous for playing nerdy roles in "Superbad" and "Knocked Up," had previously attracted attention for significant weight loss in 2011 and again in 2017.
His recent comments resonated with fans who describe feeling similarly uncomfortable and anxious about body image, particularly men.
—mariano ⁶ (@TheRapAgenda) February 27, 2021
Hill specified that he was sharing his story so that it might help other people with similar experiences.
"This isn't a 'good for me' post. And it's definitely not a 'feel bad for me post'. It's for the the kids who don't take their shirt off at the pool. Have fun. You're wonderful and awesome and perfect," he wrote.
It's not uncommon for male celebrities to face unwanted attention and scrutiny of their bodies. Leading men like Jason Momoa and the late Chadwick Boseman are both recent examples of high-profile body shaming from the media, audiences, and even fans.