Celebrities who Faced Bullying and Triumphed Over It
11 Dec 2024Bullying is one of the worst problems of humanity around the world. It affects people of all ages, from young to old, and famous individuals are no exception. But the celebrities from our article turned their painful experiences with bullying into powerful stories of resilience and success, inspiring millions worldwide.
Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga grew up in New York City and attended an all-girls Catholic school. From a young age, she showed a strong love for music and fashion. Unfortunately, this made Gaga a target for bullying. The future star's classmates teased her about her appearance and dreams of becoming a musician. In one instance, a group of boys threw the girl into a trash can.
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She shared this story in the MTV documentary Lady Gaga: Inside The Outside. However, the singer turned her pain into art. Her music celebrates acceptance and individuality, connecting deeply with fans. In 2012, she and her mother, Cynthia, started the Born This Way Foundation. It helps young people by promoting mental health, kindness, and empowerment.
Demi Lovato
Demi Lovato faced severe bullying in middle school, mainly about her weight and appearance. She was called names, criticized for her body, and excluded from social activities. As shown in her documentary Child Star on Hulu and Disney+, the bullying became so intense that Demi developed an eating disorder and struggled with self-esteem. Her family decided to homeschool Demi to protect her well-being.
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The bullying left lasting effects on Demi’s mental health, leading to struggles with depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Despite these challenges, she is now a strong advocate for mental health awareness, using her platform to speak out against bullying. Through her music and public talks, Demi encourages people to seek help and embrace self-love and acceptance.
Rihanna
The famous R&B singer Rihanna was bullied as a child because of her light skin tone. Her classmates criticized her appearance in a society where darker skin tones were more common. She spoke about this experience in an interview with Glamour in November 2013. Having gained worldwide fame, Rihanna has become not only a music star but also an influential figure in the world of fashion and beauty.
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Her Fenty Beauty brand is known for its inclusivity, offering a wide range of shades for different skin types. Thus, she changed the perception of beauty standards. Rihanna often speaks about her childhood experiences, uses her popularity to fight racism and colorism, and promotes self-acceptance.
Justin Bieber
In 2012, in an interview with Showbiz Tonight, Justin Bieber admitted that his classmates used to bully him at school. Justin was fond of singing and often performed at local events but his peers made fun of his love of music and teased him because of his voice. The bullying intensified when Justin became popular on YouTube.
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Despite the difficulties, his mother supported his dreams. Thanks to this, Justin was noticed by talent manager Scooter Braun, and this was the beginning of his career. The experience of bullying made Justin a supporter of anti-bullying initiatives. He talks about the importance of kindness and support, especially online, where cyberbullying is prevalent.
Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift has one of the biggest fan bases in the world but her childhood was far from glamorous. Despite her fame today, the singer told Teen Vogue in 2009 that she was bullied and left out by a group of popular girls. They thought Taylor was not cool or pretty enough, so they stopped talking to her.
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These experiences have made Swift especially kind to her fans. In a private Instagram message to a girl facing bullying, she said, "I know why you're crying because I’ve been in your place." She encouraged her fan to stay strong and never stop being herself.
Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus faced bullying during her school years for being "different." She was often teased about her appearance, her father’s fame, and her unique style. Classmates excluded her and called her names. According to an April 2009 report by ABC News, the bullying sometimes turned physical.
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In one incident, a group of girls locked Miley in a bathroom. Miley has spoken openly about her struggles with bullying. The star notes that she still has insecurities but has learned to overcome them. Miley advises her fans to do the same so that others can't take advantage of this uncertainty.
Priyanka Chopra
In May 2019, in an interview with the Associated Press, Priyanka Chopra shared her memories of being bullied in school, which prompted her to return to India from the United States. According to her, there was one very bullying girl.
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She was jealous of Chopra's boyfriend and tried to make the future actress' life hell. The girl would push her around. As a result, Chopra became afraid of her and did not want to go to school. This made the star insecure and it took her a while to rethink everything and feel the strength to move on.
Ed Sheeran
In a 2019 interview with DJ Nihal and rapper Dave, Ed Sheeran revealed that he was bullied as a child for his red hair, glasses, and stutter. Growing up in a small English town, he often felt like an outsider. Classmates called him names like "ginger" and "four eyes". Ed’s experiences with bullying shaped his music and character.
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He often speaks about how these challenges motivated him to work harder and stay true to himself. Now a global music star, Ed encourages others to embrace their uniqueness and ignore negativity. His song Castle on the Hill reflects on his childhood and the struggles he overcame.
Winona Ryder
Before Winona Ryder won the Golden Globe, she went through a traumatic experience of bullying in elementary school, which she described in an interview with People in 2017. She wore a short haircut like a boy and was often dressed in men's clothes as a teenager, which led to severe bullying at school.
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In the seventh grade, her classmates even beat her up when she went to the bathroom. The worst part was that the teachers blamed Winona, not the bullies. Years later, Winona met one of the girls who had beaten her in a cafe. She asked her for an autograph but the actress recalled the school story and refused the request.
Chris Rock
Chris Rock grew up in a predominantly white neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York, where he faced racism and bullying, as he described in the podcast Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade. Chris was often the victim of racist taunts and physical abuse. He was beaten by his classmates, and the constant harassment worsened his mental health. Finally, he eventually dropped out of school.
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Chris Rock's experiences with racism and bullying have greatly influenced his comedy style and outlook on life. He frequently incorporates these experiences into his stand-up routines. Chris has become one of the most influential comedians of his generation, and his ability to turn painful experiences into powerful, thought-provoking comedy has made him a voice for change.
Jessica Alba
Growing up in a military family, Jessica Alba moved frequently, which made it hard for her to fit in. The actress was often teased for being different, especially because of her mixed ethnicity—her father is of Mexican descent, she told the Daily Mail in 2017. She also faced health issues, which added to her struggles.
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Despite these challenges, Jessica followed her dream of becoming an actress. She has spoken openly about her experiences with bullying, highlighting the importance of self-acceptance and resilience. Jessica also founded The Honest Company, which creates safe, eco-friendly products and supports initiatives for people who have been bullied.
Jackie Chan
Today, Jackie Chan is a famous personality but he had a difficult childhood, as he was bullied by his peers at school. The actor talked about it in his 2015 autobiography Never Grow Up. According to the actor's words, his peers bullied him at school because of his low-income family. They told him that without money, he didn’t belong at school.
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Of course, Jackie Chan has always stood up for himself, as he has been practicing martial arts since childhood. Thanks to his rigorous training, he became the iconic martial artist and actor he is today. He used his fame to promote self-discipline, hard work, and respect for others.
Eva Mendes
Star actress Eva Mendes eventually came to understand what motivated the girls who bullied her as a teenager. In 2011, she told The Daily Mail that she had large teeth and was very thin, and this attracted the attention of two classmates. Her appearance became a source of ridicule for them.
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At the time, Eva didn't understand why they were acting this way. Later, she realized that the bullies sensed her fear and attacked her. This experience helped her to learn how to manage her emotions and know her worth.
Kristen Stewart
In 2012, Kristen Stewart told Vanity Fair that she was bullied as a teenager because of her style of dress. She preferred sportswear, which her peers did not like. In eighth grade, a girl made fun of her for not shaving her legs.
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The fame that came with the movie Twilight didn't make things any easier. Her peers criticized her for not looking perfect in every photo on the Internet. But what annoyed them the most was that the actress ignored their comments, and that's what became the star's defense.
Kim Petras
Pop star Kim Petras, who underwent gender confirmation surgery at 16, shared in 2019 how bullying impacted her early life. She faced constant teasing and rejection from her peers, leaving her feeling uncomfortable and isolated.
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Over time, Petras came to understand that not everyone will like you and that bullying often stems from envy or personal struggles projected onto others. During her most difficult times, she found solace in music, using it as a way to escape and cope with her challenges. Watching music videos and immersing herself in the world of music provided her with comfort and a sense of hope.
Charlie Puth
Growing up with music in his head made Charlie Puth look a little strange to his peers. Charlie liked to march to his own beat. But his classmates thought he was different and made fun of him. They called him mean names. Charlie talked about it in Teen Vogue in 2016.
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Because of this, the future singer became increasingly irritated and disliked going to school. But most importantly, he continued his music career and now has several platinum records. He believes that the bullies only made him stronger and prevented him from giving up during the toughest times.
Ariana Grande
The famous singer and actress Ariana Grande admitted that she had been subjected to hate on the Internet for ten years, as The Mirror reported in 2023. She was criticized for her choice of album covers, her personal life, and, most of all, her appearance.
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In April 2023, the star responded to comments from her social media followers discussing her appearance after a jazz night with her Wicked co-stars. On her TikTok page, she called for tact, explaining that she had been taking antidepressants for a long time and eating poorly, which made her body unhealthy. Ariana also emphasized that she should not have to make excuses for her body to others at all.
Shay Mitchell
Shay Mitchell was born into a mixed-race family, with a Filipino mother and a white father. She has spoken about the racism her parents faced when they first started dating, a topic she shared in 2021 with Women's Health. Mitchell also experienced prejudice growing up, observing and facing discriminatory remarks directed at her and her mother.
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Her mother was subjected to cruel remarks about her, and Mitchell herself was tormented by schoolyard taunts and harmful stereotypes. Despite these challenges, Mitchell has built a successful career as an actress and model. Today, such questions are no longer part of her reality.
Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez revealed in a 2017 interview with The New York Times that she faced bullying during her time on the Disney Channel, described as "the biggest high school in the world." As a teen actress on Wizards of Waverly Place, she faced significant challenges. That's why she decided to produce the Netflix series Thirteen Reasons Why, based on Jay Asher’s novel. This story is about a student who takes her own life after relentless bullying.
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Gomez felt a deep connection to the story, drawing from her own experiences. Even after leaving Disney, Gomez continues to deal with online criticism. She often deletes social media apps to avoid negativity, as hateful comments exacerbate insecurities. Battling lupus, anxiety, and depression, Gomez underwent a 90-day rehab program in 2016.
Josh Gad
Comedian and actor Josh Gad faced bullying as a child due to his weight. During his teenage years, the Frozen 2 star discovered humor as a tool to combat his bullies. Gad shared in an interview with Sam Jones in 2019, that he recounted an incident where, after being called "fat" in front of others, he performed a monologue from My Cousin Vinny.
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The unexpected performance shifted attention, leaving the bully confused and the crowd laughing. Now, Josh is a dad and he teaches his kids how to deal with bullies. He tells them that bullies are often mean because they feel bad about themselves. Gad advocates addressing bullying by focusing on empathy and personal growth.
Zayn Malik
Zayn Malik, a former member of the globally successful boyband One Direction, faced cyberbullying during his time in the group. Much of the abuse targeted his race, with offensive remarks labeling him as a "terrorist." Although Malik often dismissed such comments, the situation became more troubling when the bullying began to affect his family.
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He expressed frustration that such behavior was tolerated online, especially since similar actions in person would likely lead to consequences. The impact on his loved ones, particularly his mother, deeply upset him. Despite this, Malik remained resilient, speaking out against discrimination and using his platform to challenge such hateful behavior.
Lorde
Lorde, known for her unique style and distinctive voice, faced significant online abuse about her appearance early in her career. Despite her success, she admitted to feeling the impact of insults, describing herself as a sensitive individual who is not immune to hurtful comments.
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Her nervous demeanor was often misunderstood but she relied on a sense of bravado to navigate challenges. Lorde’s unconventional fashion choices and demeanor sometimes made her seem intimidating or unusual to others. However, she remained resolute, defining her career and identity with a focus on strength.
Jesy Nelson
Jesy Nelson faced harsh criticism from trolls while Little Mix was still competing on X Factor in 2011, long before the group became one of the UK's most successful girl bands. She revealed in a 2016 interview with Cosmopolitan that the bullying affected her deeply, leaving her in tears and confused about why people would be so cruel to her.
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As a young girl, she struggled to understand what she had done to deserve such treatment, taking the insults personally. In spite of the hurtful comments, Jesy found strength in the support of her Little Mix bandmates, who helped her through the difficult times.
Olly Alexander
Olly Alexander, the ex-frontman of Years & Years, has shared that he avoids social media after the band performs on television due to the personal abuse he receives online. In a 2016 interview with NME, he explained that he doesn’t understand why people target him with harsh comments, such as saying he can’t sing or calling him ugly.
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He also revealed that after performances, he refrains from checking Twitter for a while, as the negative reactions can be overwhelming. Olly mentioned that some of the abuse is so disturbing it could be considered a criminal offense, citing the rape jokes made about him. As a result, he tries to shield himself from reading such harmful content.
Nicola Roberts
Nicola Roberts, an English singer, songwriter, and a former member of Girls Aloud, experienced cyberbullying after the group won Pop Stars: The Rivals in 2002. At just 16 years old, she was targeted for her looks, and the abuse had a lasting impact. In a 2011 speech at an anti-bullying conference, she emphasized the dangers of cyberbullying, pointing out that it can reach someone anytime, even at home where they should feel safe.
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She also highlighted the stigma around speaking out about bullying, urging that this mentality needed to change. Over the years, Nicola has become an advocate against bullying in all its forms, using her platform to raise awareness and encourage others to stand up.
Jonah Hill
Throughout his career, actor Jonah Hill has faced body shaming in the film and comedy industries and scrutiny from the media and online trolls, published Men's Health in 2021. The star shared that he was overweight and insecure as a child, he was often criticized, which continued into adulthood.
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More recently, Hill addressed tabloid photos of him surfing and shared how years of mockery had affected his confidence. However, at 37, he expressed pride in accepting himself and encouraged others to do the same, especially those struggling with insecurities.
Kate Middleton
The Express reported in 2023 that Princess Kate faced bullying at school. The princess had a difficult period at Down House School before moving on to Marlborough College. Former BBC royal correspondent Jenny Bond told OK! magazine that this experience shaped her attitude to the education of Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
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That's why the princess decided to send her children to Lambrook Day School, not to a boarding school. Together with Prince William, they strive to create a happy atmosphere for their children, where they will grow up close to their family.
Meghan Markle
The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, has also been a victim of bullying. She spoke about it during her keynote address at the SXSW festival in Austin, Texas, on International Women's Day, the BBC noted. Prince Harry's wife said that she was insulted in every possible way by Internet trolls who wrote offensive comments, angry messages, and even threats on social media.
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This behavior continued even during both of her pregnancies - when she was expecting her son Archie and daughter Lillibeth. Megan emphasized that cyberbullying often lacks humanity. She urged others to avoid interacting with negative comments or messages from strangers to protect their mental health.
Eminem
Eminem opened up about his experiences with bullying on CBS’s 60 Minutes in 2010. As a child, frequent school changes made it hard for him to fit in. This often led to bullying. He was frequently beaten up in bathrooms and hallways, and even shoved into lockers during his early school years.
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Rapping became his outlet and a way to regain confidence. Eminem likened his journey to that of a fighter, determined to rise above his challenges. Over time, his passion for music not only helped him overcome bullying but also shaped his career, allowing him to channel his struggles into a powerful and respected voice in the industry.
Maddie Baillio
The Texas native, who portrayed Tracy Turnblad in NBC's Hairspray Live!, shared her experiences with a bad attitude as a child in an interview with People in 2016. She revealed that being bullied in her younger years had a significant impact on her, often preventing her from pursuing her goals.
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However, she found inspiration in her character Tracy. Despite facing constant bullying, Tracy remains resilient and unshaken in her pursuit of happiness and success. Baillio expressed how Tracy's determination to not let anything hold her back, from getting the guy to starring on the show and taking on the world, resonated deeply with her.
Justin Timberlake
Justin Timberlake revealed on the iHeartRadio Awards in 2015 that he was bullied during his school years. Reflecting on his past, Timberlake shared he was often called “different” and “weird".
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But the singer credited his mother for teaching him to embrace his uniqueness. Justin expressed gratitude to her, stating that being different allowed him to make a difference. Finally, the star accepted the Innovator Award as one of the most dynamic artists of his generation.
Kate Winslet
As a child, Kate Winslet often faced ridicule because she was overweight and wanted to become an actress, Vanity Fair noted in 2017. Her classmates constantly said that with her appearance, she could only play a “fat fool” and would not be able to impress the film crew.
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These words affected her self-confidence but her desire to become an actress and achieve her goal was stronger. The turning point in her career was the release of Titanic. After this iconic movie, no one doubted her talent and charm. Winslet proved that true success is based on perseverance and self-belief, regardless of the opinions of others.
George Clooney
George Clooney also faced childhood abuse. In middle school, Bell's palsy, inherited from his father, earned him the nickname Frankenstein, published in Business Insider in 2021. The disease temporarily paralyzed the left side of his face, his eye would barely open, and the actor had difficulty eating.
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His classmates constantly mocked him, which eventually forced his parents to transfer him to another school. The change in environment and passion for sports helped young Clooney to cope with the disease. Growing up, he was able to overcome this challenging period and become a successful actor. Now George notes that the difficulties he has experienced have made him stronger and taught him resilience.
Sandra Bullock
Sandra Bullock's childhood was shaped by constant moves between the United States and Europe, living with her mother, Helga, a German native, and her father, John W. Bullock, a WWII veteran. Throughout her school years, she was bullied for her unique fashion choices. Since her family moved between Germany and the U.S., her style was often out of sync with the latest trends.
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In an interview with Ruby Wax in 2012, Bullock explained that her mother preferred her to stay original, which meant she was often two or three years behind the fashion curve. As a result, she was frequently mocked by her peers, sometimes facing physical bullying. Bullock recalled returning home with bruises, and blood on her clothes. Despite the harsh treatment, her upbringing shaped her into the person she is today.
Tom Cruise
In childhood, Tom Cruise changed many schools. Born in Syracuse, New York, Cruise's family moved to Canada when he was young and continued moving between provinces, constantly forcing him to adjust to becoming the "new kid." His father’s reclusive and antisocial behavior added to the family's struggles, as they faced judgment and skepticism from their neighbors.
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Cruise frequently endured intimidation from bigger classmates. He shared with Parade magazine in 2006 that the experience of being bullied left him feeling nervous and fearful but he knew that standing up for himself was necessary to avoid continued harassment.
Megan Fox
According to Digital Spy in 2010, Megan Fox was an outcast in school because of her ambition to become an actress. Growing up, she attended a Christian high school, where her aspirations made her unpopular among her peers. Fox shared that some girls in her school were particularly cruel.
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One girl mocked her on Halloween by wearing a black leather catsuit and calling herself "Megan Fox." Fox, who was shy at the time, did not confront her but said it hurt. The actress also mentioned that she was never popular and got along better with boys, which made her even more of an outsider.
Mila Kunis
In 2011, Mila Kunis revealed that she was frequently bullied at school because of her appearance, as reported by the Daily Mail. She was the smallest in her class and her schoolmates often taunted her about her big eyes, big lips, and big ears. In addition, she had moved from Ukraine and did not speak English well. So, her accent was also a cause for ridicule.
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Over time, she has accepted her uniqueness and is still proud of her heritage. We would like to add that the actress and her husband, actor Ashton Kutcher, actively support Ukraine in the war with Russia.
Robert Pattinson
Another well-known actor impressed with his confession about bullying is Robert Pattinson, notes Glamour in 2009. He shared a memory of someone stealing his shoelaces, and as a result, he still wears those shoes without laces as a personal trademark. Pattinson also revealed that he often rebelled against authority and rules.
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He was expelled from school at the age of 12 for not following the rules. While he liked his teachers and attended lessons, his report reflected a lack of effort, as he rarely completed his homework. This rebellious streak, combined with the bullying, contributed to his challenging school years.
Janel Parrish
Janel Parrish, an actress and singer, shared with People in 2022 that she wasn't considered popular at the school. She often felt isolated due to her love for musical theatre, which made her different from her peers who preferred hanging out at the mall. As a result, she was often teased and called names.
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Parrish reflected on the emotional impact of being bullied, describing how it made her feel self-conscious and diminished. However, she ultimately embraced her uniqueness, recognizing that what made her different also made her special. She expressed gratitude for embracing her true self.
Tom Ford
Before becoming a renowned fashion designer and film director, Tom Ford faced bullying as a child in Texas due to his lack of interest in sports and his passion for fashion. He told it to People in 2022. The designer shared that in the 1960s, being different in a place where football and shooting were central to the culture led to him being teased.
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Ford revealed that even as an adult, he still feels the lingering effects of this bullying. He admits that he gets nervous when he passes a playground and sees someone playing soccer. Tom Ford is nervous that he will be asked to kick the ball and fail.
Christina Ricci
Christina Ricci, who became a household name as a young actress after starring in films like Mermaids, The Addams Family, and Casper, faced body-shaming during her early years in Hollywood, wrote Today in 2022. While filming, she endured harsh comments about her appearance. Particularly, during costume fittings, where people would discuss ways to "fix" her body.
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At just 12 or 13, as she began to develop, Ricci recalled how men on set would talk about how to make her look "less womanly". Through these experiences, Ricci struggled with anorexia. But with help and support, she recovered from the eating disorder when she was 15. Now a mother of two, Ricci is committed to promoting healthy eating habits within her family. She hopes to shield her children from the body image issues that plagued her youth.
Blake Lively
In a 2022 appearance on Sesame Street, the long-legged blonde beauty opened up about her childhood bullying, revealing that she was teased for her height and blonde hair. Classmates would call her "Big Bird," which made her feel self-conscious about her appearance.
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Despite these hurtful experiences, she learned to embrace the very features that once made her a target. In her powerful Instagram post in 2018, the actress posed beside the real Big Bird and captioned it, "Here's to making best buddies with the things that once hurt you."
Bella Hadid
Bella Hadid has learned to ignore most social media hate but some comments are too painful. In a 2018 interview with People, she shared how hurtful it is when people attack her personality, rather than just her looks. Someone criticized her and Kendall Jenner on a fan account, accusing them of getting plastic surgery and saying they had bad personalities.
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Hadid responded to the comment and noted that no one knows her personally to write such a thing. As a result, the model decided to rarely post anything on the social network. Thus, she decided to protect her personal life from strangers.
Kesha
In 2017 Kesha, the pop singer, acknowledged Teen Vogue about her battle with an eating disorder because of societal pressures and personal insecurities. At school, she would often make her clothes and change her hair color daily, which led to her being labeled a "freak" by her peers. Despite the bullying, Kesha has grown more confident in her style over the years.
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The star admitted that while she can handle criticism at times, there are moments when it still affects her. Kesha also revealed that she doesn't weigh herself and instead prioritizes living a happy life and feeling confident in her clothing choices.
Shawn Mendes
Shawn Mendes talked on Instagram in 2019 about a painful experience from his childhood, inspiring fans with a message about resilience. The star noted that in 2014, while in ninth grade, he shared one of his first music covers on YouTube. The next day, older classmates mocked him, shouting "Sing for me, Shawn!" leaving him feeling humiliated and causing him to question his passion.
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Despite the ridicule, Mendes credited his supportive friends and family for encouraging him to continue pursuing his love for music. He shared this story to motivate others to follow their dreams regardless of criticism and to discourage bullying. Mendes emphasized that everyone, no matter their age or background, deserves to pursue what makes them feel alive.
Billie Eilish
Grammy winner Billie Eilish spoke about her childhood to Vogue in 2020. She said that she was not very well-liked by her classmates because her parents were poor. Sometimes, they would say unpleasant things to her and comment negatively on her style of dress.
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Eilish also spoke about the challenges of fame. She has to read unacceptable comments on her social media page, and some fans go too far and send her unwanted gifts. In her opinion, all of this violates her personal space and depresses her.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo entered Sporting's academy at the age of 12 but his first years there were a serious challenge, The Sun wrote in 2022. He was ruthlessly teased for his strong Madeiran accent, which led to frequent conflicts with his peers. In one situation, when he felt that a teacher was making fun of his speech, Ronaldo threw a chair at her.
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According to the book Messi vs Ronaldo: One Rivalry, Two GOATs, and the Era that Changed the World Game, Ronaldo even considered quitting football at an early stage. However, a year later, a compromise was reached: he dropped out of school and focused entirely on football.
Rumer Willis
Rumer Willis, the eldest daughter of actors Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, faced relentless bullying not from classmates but from tabloids, noted People in 2015. These media outlets cruelly scrutinized her appearance, comparing her to her father and labeling her features as "masculine."
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Reflecting on this experience, Willis admitted that she believed altering her face or achieving a certain body type might solve her problems. However, she later realized that these changes would not bring the self-acceptance she sought.
Michelle Trachtenberg
Michelle Trachtenberg is known for her role as a scheming prep-school student on Gossip Girl. She drew from personal experience to portray the character. According to her comments to Page Six in 2019, the actress revealed that she endured severe bullying.
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Once a fellow student pushed her down a flight of stairs, resulting in fractured ribs and a broken nose. This painful experience shaped her portrayal of complex characters and highlighted the real challenges she faced during her teenage years.
David Beckham
David Beckham suffered clinical depression after the public abuse heaped on him following England's defeat to Argentina at the 1998 World Cup. According to The Mirror, the athlete felt broken at the time because of the hate he received from fans after the game.
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It left him feeling as though he had disappointed his team. Years later, Beckham admitted that he regretted the incident, although he recognized its impact on his career. The star also added that if it hadn't happened, his path in football could have been completely different.