Prison Break actor Wentworth Miller discusses suicidal past after fat-shaming meme resurfaces
PUBLISHED ONMarch 30, 2016 3:11 AM
Actor Wentworth Miller criticised a fat-shaming meme about him yesterday (March 29), writing an open letter about his past struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts.
The actor, most known for his starring role in Prison Break, responded to a meme posted by The LAD Bible that made fun of his weight.
In his letter posted on Facebook, Miller described his struggles post-Prison Break, stating that he had "semi-retired from acting" in 2010 because he "was suicidal".
He said that he turned to food after "looking everywhere for relief/comfort/distraction" and that "eating became the one thing (he) could look forward to".
He wrote that he could have turned to anything, including drugs, alcohol or sex, but that he had relied on food.
"And I put on weight. Big f***ing deal," he added.
Today I found myself the subject of an Internet meme. Not for the first time. This one, however, stands out from the...
Posted by Wentworth Miller on Monday, March 28, 2016
He went on to criticise publications that used a paparazzi picture of him during this trying time to publish articles which snidely criticised his weight gain, writing that "it was the last thing (he) needed" while "fighting for (his) mental health".
Miller, who is also a screenwriter, added that since his recovery, the paparazzi image just reminds him of his "endurance" and "perseverance in the face of all kinds of demons".
Facebook users applauded his letter, with many calling for more kindness and awareness of mental health issues.
This included user Casey Frawley who asked, "How can we expect our children to be kind and love others when so many adults still act like mean middle school kids? It's really disgusting and embarassing that out society allows any garbage like this to go on".
How can we expect our children to be kind and love others when so many adults still act like mean middle school kids? ...
Posted by Casey Frawley on Tuesday, March 29, 2016
This is a perfect example of one of the many reasons why I hate the culture of celebrity so much. No one deserves this - even if you believe that they "signed up for it by being famous."
Posted by Michelle Alderson on Tuesday, March 29, 2016
You never know the battle that someone is fighting...we owe it to each other to be careful with our words. I give this...
Posted by Courtney Scheflen Cohen on Tuesday, March 29, 2016
The LAD Bible has since apologised for its actions, stating that they did not want to remind the actor "of such a low point in (his) life" and that "causing distress and upset to innocent or vulnerable people is simply not acceptable".
The publication also promised to "cover such matters in the responsible manner that (their) audience expects".
It has since removed the post about the meme.
Wentworth Miller,We posted two pictures of you last night to our Facebook page, but today we want to say we’ve got...
Posted by The LAD Bible on Tuesday, March 29, 2016
Miller ended his letter by saying that despite this, "it hurt" to see the post by The LAD Bible, but that the meaning he assigns to the post is strength, healing and forgiveness.
He also urged struggling individuals to seek help and to reach out because "someone cares".
| HELPLINES | |
| Samaritans of Singapore (SOS): | 1800-2214444 |
| Singapore Association for Mental Health: | 1800-2837019 |
| Sage Counselling Centre: | 1800-5555555 |
| Care Corner Mandarin Counselling: | 1800-3535800 |
prabukm@sph.com.sg