(Photo: @charlidamelio/Instagram)
Charli D’Amelio has revealed to her 118 million social media followers that she’s been privately struggling with an eating disorder in the hopes they might be encouraged to seek help too.
The 16-year-old TikTok star posted a message on her Insta stories acknowledging how difficult it can be to speak up:
“I’ve always tried to use my voice when it comes to issues surrounding body image, but I’ve never talked about my own struggles with eating disorders. It’s so uncomfortable to admit to even your closest friends and family, let alone the world.”
She explains that she’s opening up now in case her story “can help someone else” and included a link to the National Eating Disorder Association which provides resources and treatment options for those who are struggling as well as support for their loved ones.
“I know eating disorders are something that so many other people are also battling behind closed doors,” she continues before apologising for unintentionally hurting some fans over a recent TikTok video.
The clip – now deleted – included the song “Prom Queen” by Beach Bunny which contains lyrics about counting calories and having a “perfect body.”
Beach Bunny has previously clarified the song is “in no way meant to glamorize, encourage, or promote eating disorders, body hatred or body shaming in any form. The lyrics are a criticism on modern beauty standards and the harmful effects beauty standards can have on people.”
In her post, Charli acknowledges that the song may have “triggered” fans who are struggling with eating disorders.
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“I know some days can be worse than others,” she writes.
“I need you to know you are not alone. Remember it’s ok to reach out and get help. We all need help sometimes.”
Earlier this year, the dancer and her big sister Dixie teamed up with UNICEF to call for more kindness online after being bombarded with hateful messages including comments on their bodies.
Fellow TikTok star Addison Rae has also spoken out about the impact of being body-shamed online.