Irish singer-songwriter CMAT said she felt deep sadness after receiving body-shaming comments online following her performance at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend [1].
The incident highlights the ongoing struggle public figures face with digital harassment, where personal appearance often overshadows professional achievement.
CMAT, whose real name is Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson, addressed the abuse after her recent festival slot [1, 2]. She said the commentary focused on her weight rather than the quality of her music, a trend she described as painful [3].
"I feel a deep sadness over the body‑shaming I’ve received after my Big Weekend set," CMAT said [1].
Despite the emotional toll, the artist also responded to the predictability of the online vitriol. She described the nature of the criticism as repetitive and uninspired, a sentiment she shared in a separate reflection on the abuse [2].
"It is literally so boring for me, a gorgeous genius," CMAT said [2].
The singer said that the constant scrutiny of her body has been a distressing experience [1, 3]. She said that the focus on her weight rather than her music has been really painful [3].
This response follows a pattern of online harassment directed at performers during high-profile televised events. The BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend typically draws massive audiences, increasing the visibility of artists and, consequently, the volume of social media feedback [1].
“"I feel a deep sadness over the body‑shaming I’ve received after my Big Weekend set."”
This situation underscores the persistence of appearance-based harassment in the music industry, specifically how viral moments can trigger coordinated body-shaming. By publicly addressing both her sadness and her dismissal of the critics' lack of originality, CMAT is navigating the tension between vulnerability and the need to maintain a public image of confidence in the face of digital abuse.
