Growing up in the public eye, children of celebrities develop a thick skin earlier than most. But it still hurts when people are cruel for no reason.
On the 2021 season of the British dancing competition “Strictly Come Dancing,” Gordon Ramsay’s 19-year-old daughter Tilly is competing with partner Nikita Kuzmin. The pair have quickly become fan favorites, but sadly, not everyone is a fan.
LBC radio host Steve Allen was speaking to a caller live on air when the caller told him Tilly will soon be featured on another reality show, “Celebrity MasterChef Australia.”
“Is she?” Steve asked. “Well, she can’t blimming well dance! I’m bored of her already. She’s a chubby little thing isn’t she. Have you noticed? Probably her dad’s cooking I should imagine.”
Say what you will about her dancing skills, but publicly picking on a teenager’s weight is another story. Instead of simply ignoring the shocking words, Tilly posted an eloquent statement on Instagram that has the entire internet cheering.
“I try not to read and listen to comments and negativity. However, recently being called out on a national radio station by a 67-year-old man is a step too far,” Tilly wrote. “Steve please feel free voice your opinions however I draw the line at commenting on my appearance. It’s such a shame that someone is trying to make such a positive experience negative. This isn’t the first and definitely won’t be the last comment made about my appearance and I accept that and I’m learning to accept myself.”
“This isn’t the first and definitely won’t be the last comment made about my appearance. But please remember that words can hurt and at the end of the day I am only 19. I understand that being in the public eye obviously comes with its own repercussions and I’ve been aware of this from a young age. However, I won’t tolerate people that think it’s OK to publicly comment and scrutinise anyone’s weight and appearance.”
Many of her “Strictly” co-stars and family members chimed in with words of support, and All On The Board, a group that posts information boards all over London’s Underground stations, made a very public show of support. Here’s the sign they posted outside of the extremely busy Piccadilly Circus station the next morning:
“Dear Matilda,
Hope you’re doing alright?
We thought we would write you this letter, well done for standing up for yourself against disgraceful behaviour and disgusting comments from people who should know better;
You are spectacular on Strictly, keep dancing and doing what you do, today we are changing Piccadilly Circus to PiccaTILLY Circus to pay tribute to you.”
Brava, Tilly! We’re so proud of her for standing up and telling the world what she will and won’t tolerate. This comment was uncalled for, and she said so in the most classy way possible. We hope Mr. Allen gets a good dose of “mean” Gordon Ramsay next time their paths cross.
Share this story to spread the word: Bullying is never okay, no matter who’s doing it.
Want to be happier in just 5 minutes a day? Sign up for Morning Smile and join over 455,000+ people who start each day with good news.