It's 2024 and body-shaming shouldn't exist. However, netizens noticed that E.A.T. TV host Joey De Leon may have made a subtle remark about weight gain directed to co-host Miles Ocampo.
On May 1, 2024, Miles celebrated her 27th birthday onstage and a netizen uploaded the clip of the hosts' banter during the segment.
As everyone was greeting Miles, Tito Sotto directed their conversation with a sudden remark saying, "Pataas, Miles!" He meant that Miles was going up in terms of her age and hopefully her career. While other hosts cheered on Miles, netizens noticed Joey ride in on Tito's "Pataas" line. He joked and said, "Pataba, ay pababa."
No one among the hosts, including Miles, reacted to Joey's comment. The program went on as it should. Over on the internet, those who saw the clip pointed out Joey's reportedly body-shaming comment about Miles.
Netizens react to Joey De Leon's "pataba" remark against Miles Ocampo
Miles was diagnosed with Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma, which required her thyroid glands to be removed. She opened up about undergoing surgery to address this health issue in 2023.
The diagnosis and procedure resulted in different side effects on her body, including weight gain. When she shared her journey on Instagram, the actress reminded everyone how important it was to uplift someone regardless of her condition.
"With or without health conditions, no to body shaming. Be kind. Always. Please," she wrote after a lengthy and heartfelt gratitude post to everyone who supported her as she fought against her disease.
Over on Reddit, netizens remembered Miles' past health crisis and defended Miles against the recent body-shaming remark. One said, "Alam na ngang may health issue si Miles, ganyan pa ginawa," referring to Joey's unsolicited comment.
Another comment read, "It doesn't matter why she gained weight. Bastos ang sinabi ni Joey and they should have called him out."
The netizen strongly argued, "Nobody has to explain why they are tall, short, thin, or fat."
What and when is it considered body shaming?
Body-shaming, in the simplest sense, is when someone makes unsolicited and inappropriate remarks about your weight and body. Comments like, "Ay, ang taba mo na!" or "Grabe, ang payat-payat mo naman," fall under this insulting act.
For the longest time, body-shaming comments have been deemed "normal," or came in the form of a backhanded compliment: "Tumataba pero bagay sa'yo." When phrased this way, you wouldn't know if you should be offended or flattered.
PSA: It's never okay to comment on someone's appearance. Body-shaming comments are outright rude, disrespectful, and demoralizing. Those seemingly harmless words that were probably disguised as a joke can affect someone's well-being.
Not-so-fun fact: There is a study that shows how body-shaming can affect mental health and result in obesity. Pointing out someone's size and weight can often lead to them stress-eating, for example.
The bottom line is: Body-shaming is wrong. Your weight should never define your worth.
