Modern Family actress Sarah Hyland, who plays Hayley Dunphy, has taken to Twitter to address negative comments she received after she shared a photo of herself to her Instagram.
In the photo below, the twenty-six-year-old is wearing a t-shirt that her boyfriend, actor Dominic Sherwood, features on as part of the 'Looks Good On Me' anti-bullying campaign.
She posted the photo with the caption:
"Sherwood (and nothing else) looks good on me" @domsherwood ❤️ Buy a shirt and a portion of the proceeds go to the Anti-Bullying Alliance!"
After posting the photo to her Instagram, Sarah received comments telling her she was "losing weight way too fast", needed to "eat a cheeseburger" and that she looks like she "has an eating disorder now".
Soon after, the actress took to her Twitter account to share a lengthy letter to her fans to discuss the comments and her current health.
Sarah says that she has been on bed rest recently due to health reasons which has caused her to lose a lot of muscle mass.
My story as of now. Part 1. pic.twitter.com/6kWlnxgjIb
— Sarah Hyland (@Sarah_Hyland) May 24, 2017
"I'd like to address something that has not only been brought up on Twitter but has been HEAVILY discussed by all of you in my Instagram comments. That something is my weight.
"I normally don't comment on things like this because it draws attention to those trying to spread negativity but I'm here to explain a few things and spread love. Here goes.. I haven't had the greatest year.
"Maybe one day I'll talk about it but for now, I'd like my privacy. I will say that this year has brought a lot of changes and with that, physical changes.
"I have been told that I can't work out. Which, for me, is very upsetting. I am an activist for activity (and for eating junk food in bed but it's all about balance right?) I love to be outdoors.
"I love to be STRONG. (I'll be using that word a lot) Strength is everything. Being strong has gotten me where I am. Both mentally and physically. I am not a fan of "being skinny".
"Which many of you have told me that I am too much of. "Eat a burger" "your head is much bigger than your body and that's disgusting" And you're right! I should eat a burger! Cause they're f*****g delicious! But guess what. I do :)"
"And again, you're right. No one's head should be bigger than their body but considering I've basically been on bed rest for the past few month, I've lost a lot of muscle mass.
"My circumstances have put me in a place where I'm not in control of what my body looks like. So I strive to be healthy as possible, as everyone should. Oh and no that's not photoshop. Those are my legs. Those are my arms."
"I write this because I've been accused of promoting anorexia in, ironically enough, an anti bullying post. And I want young girls to know that that's NOT my intention.
"I posted a picture of my boyfriend's apparel line, in which part of the proceeds go to the anti-bully alliance, and in return am bullied.
"Which made me laugh but then dawned on me that young girls are reading posts that are saying that I'm promoting anorexia due to my weight. While these comments don't affect me, they may affect others."
Part 2 pic.twitter.com/Uu54zACNc7
— Sarah Hyland (@Sarah_Hyland) May 24, 2017
"So I'm here to say that no one should aim to be the weight that I am now. I am working hard to maintain my weight by eating as much protein as possible and continue to be STRONG and healthy."
"There's no need to worry! I've been down before and I'll probably be down again in my lifetime but I'm steadfast and solid and will conquer my obstacles. Since I'm here...You may wonder.
"Am I bothered by my appearance right now? Well it's never fun to look in the mirror and see your hard work at the gym fade away or have your legs be the size of one's arms. But I know that when I get clearance I will be able to get back to the STRONG, lean, and fabulous self I know I can be.
"You all will probably have something to say about that as well but it doesn't affect me. I don't mind when you say that I look pregnant. Or fat. Because I know that my face is swollen from medication that is saving my life.
"...I will never have enough curves to be called a woman. And I will always be a s**t for wearing a push up bra. Love the you you set out to be. Be the best version of yourself. Be healthy."
"I'm a 26-year-old woman who goes through more than you could even imagine on a daily basis. But I work hard.
"...And I got to where I am because I am STRONG and didn't give up. I am grateful for the life I love and you should be too. Don't let other's comments alter any part of you! Love and positivity is what we need most. Especially at a time like this."
"The world may be falling apart but it's up to us to pull it back together. Smile. Laugh. Love. Be happy.
"Support your peers. Love. Work hard. Be confident. Love. Adopt puppies! Tell your mum you appreciate here. LOVE. LOVE.LOVE."
Anyone struggling with an eating disorder can visit Bodywhys.ie, phone their helpline on 1890 200 444 or email alex@bodywhys.ie to seek for help.
