Irish singer-songwriter CMAT said she feels "deep sadness" after receiving body-shaming abuse online following her set at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend.
The incident highlights the persistent issue of targeted harassment and misogyny that female performers face on digital platforms despite their professional achievements.
CMAT, whose real name is Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson, addressed the backlash in a statement posted to Instagram on May 28, 2024 [1]. She said the comments she received were "horrible" and "abusive," noting that the attacks were specifically weight-related and misogynistic [2, 3].
In her public statement, Thompson expressed a sense of vulnerability regarding the nature of online vitriol. "I feel deep sadness over the body-shaming abuse I’ve received," she said [4].
Thompson further detailed the psychological toll of the experience, suggesting a lack of agency when facing coordinated online attacks. "I simply have to sit here and take it," she said [5].
Despite the visibility of her career, the singer noted the isolation that often accompanies such harassment. "Nobody can protect me," she said [6].
The abuse followed her appearance at the Big Weekend, a major music event hosted by the BBC. While the performance was a professional milestone, the subsequent digital reaction shifted the focus from her artistry to her physical appearance.
“"I feel deep sadness over the body-shaming abuse I’ve received."”
This incident underscores the volatility of social media environments where professional success can trigger personal attacks. By publicly addressing the 'deep sadness' caused by body-shaming, CMAT brings attention to the intersection of misogyny and weight-based harassment in the music industry, illustrating how digital abuse can overshadow artistic contributions.
