A resurfaced video has ignited a wave of criticism against David Foster for calling his wife, Katharine McPhee, “fat” during a concert performance. The clip, which went viral on TikTok, shows the couple on stage, recounting how they first met when McPhee was a contestant on Season 5 of “American Idol” in 2006.
In the video, McPhee, now 40, reminisces about her time on the show, describing herself as a “little chubby and cheerful contestant.” Foster, 74, responds with, “Oh yeah – you were fat,” prompting laughter from the audience. McPhee quickly retorts, “I was a little chubby, okay? Just young.”
The comment has sparked outrage among McPhee’s fans, who took to social media to express their disapproval. One fan wrote on TikTok, “This made my heart hurt. This beautiful girl was NEVER fat. You don’t call your wife fat. As a joke or serious.” Another added, “If he can say that in front of a crowd, imagine the insensitive comments in private.”
The backlash is particularly poignant given McPhee’s history with eating disorders. She has been open about her struggles with bulimia, which she battled around the time she auditioned for “American Idol.” McPhee sought treatment at an intensive inpatient program and has spoken about the challenges she faced with body image, especially during her pregnancy in 2021.
In an interview on Dr. Berlin’s Informed Pregnancy Podcast, McPhee revealed that her pregnancy brought back old anxieties about food and body image. “Feeling like there was a relapse after getting pregnant was really shocking and upsetting and concerning for me,” she said. McPhee explained that she became obsessed with food and had a distorted view of her body, which led her to seek help from her former psychiatrist.
Fans have also drawn parallels between Foster’s comment and his past relationships. Foster was previously married to Yolanda Hadid, the mother of models Gigi and Bella Hadid. Some fans speculated that Foster’s insensitivity might have contributed to the end of his marriage with Hadid. One commenter wrote, “He threw Yolanda away the second she fell ill and gained a little weight and showed slight signs of aging. It was so cruel.”
The couple’s relationship has been under scrutiny since they began dating in 2017, primarily due to their 34-year age gap. They got engaged in 2018, married in 2019, and welcomed their son in 2021. Despite the criticism, McPhee has defended Foster in the past, particularly when he faced backlash for a comment about her post-baby body.
However, the resurfaced video has reignited concerns about Foster’s behavior. Many fans believe that his comment was not just a joke but a reflection of deeper issues. “Those comments are so hurtful. Hearing from anyone, let alone your partner. No one should comment on anyone’s body, joking or not,” one person wrote.
The controversy has also highlighted the ongoing challenges McPhee faces with body image. In her podcast interview, she described the confusion and anxiety she felt during her pregnancy. “You’re like, ‘Is this just the eating-disorder version of me or is this actually my body?’” she said. McPhee added that she felt a sense of relief after speaking with her psychiatrist, who reassured her that it was common for women with a history of eating disorders to experience a relapse during pregnancy.
Despite the support from her fans, the incident has left many questioning Foster’s sensitivity and understanding of McPhee’s struggles. The video has prompted discussions about the importance of empathy and support in relationships, especially when one partner has a history of mental health issues.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how Foster and McPhee will address the controversy. For now, the video serves as a stark reminder of the impact that words can have, particularly when they come from someone close.
Source: TikTok, Dr. Berlin’s Informed Pregnancy Podcast, Getty Images, WireImage
