Iggy Azalea Quits Social Media Over Body Shamers
Photo: Getty Images
Like anyone vacationing to a warmer climate, Iggy Azalea wore a bathing suit. But unlike others escaping the cold front, the rapper’s simple act of sitting poolside set off a social media firestorm that has forced her to take a break from the platforms.
Paparazzi captured photos of the 24-year-old in a bikini while on holiday with her boyfriend, L.A. Lakers player Nick Young. The photographs show the Australian sensation in a red bikini and in all types of unflattering positions (for anyone). She’s bending over to pick something up, standing awkwardly with poor posture, and generally just enjoying her vacation, unaware of the fact that her photograph’s being taken.
Photo: Splash News
After the pics hit the internet, many criticized her imperfect appearance and in response, Azalea vowed to stay off her accounts for awhile. ”Just got back from a great vacation, came online and saw apparently it’s shocking and unheard of to be a woman and have cellulite. Lol” the “Fancy” artist wrote. ”I just want to have peace and relaxation time without a perve with long distance lense hiding out taking pictures, everyone deserves peace.” She went on to write, “My management will tweet/run my accounts from today onwards with updates etc unless any message is signed -IA. Love you all. Peace out!”
Azalea has a point and her protest — denying fans and followers an unfiltered glimpse into her kooky glamorous world — is a powerful one. Paparazzi have taken their jobs so far that in California there are laws on the books restricting their actions. Yes, the images are wildly invasive and disrespectful of Azalea’s privacy, but just because someone has unattractive images published for the world to gawk over, doesn’t mean it’s hunting season to take jabs at her looks. Azalea might be internationally famous, but she still demands human decency and respect.
Ariana Grande, Beyoncé, and Cindy Crawford have also been victims of Internet users’ general ignorance when it comes to criticizing public figures. What’s especially disconcerting is that large numbers of the population believe that it’s socially acceptable to dissect and disparage a woman’s body when it doesn’t look the way one expects. Azalea recognizes this ugliness and is doing what’s within her power to take a stand. ”I feel the hatred and pettiness i see online at all times is at making me become an angry person and I cannot be that,” Azalea tweeted. “To become nasty because of the way I feel I am treated would be a disservice to my fans and I promise i will try to keep smiling.”
