CMAT, the acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter, has recently found herself at the center of a controversy involving ‘fat shaming’ comments on a BBC video. The BBC disabled comments on a video of her performance at Radio 1’s Big Weekend after she received a slew of abusive messages about her weight. The Instagram clip in question showed CMAT, whose real name is Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson, dramatically ripping off her shirt to reveal a more form-fitting outfit during her set on Sunday afternoon.
Taking to social media, CMAT expressed her frustration and disbelief at the comments, stating, “I didn’t realize it was illegal to have a huge ass!” She added, “I am guilty as charged. It is time to lock me up and throw away the key.” Despite the negativity, CMAT reminded her followers of her accomplishments, noting that she is an award-winning songwriter with two albums that have received universal acclaim.
CMAT’s recent accolades include a nomination for best album at the Ivor Novello Awards and best international artist at the Brit Awards in March. However, the online abuse has not been limited to English-speaking audiences. A second video of her, filmed during the Brit Awards ceremony, went viral on South American TikTok, leading to a new wave of fat-shaming comments in Spanish.
Despite the negativity, other videos of her Big Weekend performance have been met with positive reactions. Fans have praised her talent and charisma, with one commenting, “Love of my life, light of my universe,” and another adding, “What an icon and what a voice, what a talent.”
The BBC has not yet responded to requests for comment on the situation. However, this is not the first time the broadcaster has had to manage abusive comments on its social media platforms. Last summer, BBC 6 Music deleted a video of indie singer Billy NoMates performing at Glastonbury after she faced a barrage of criticism. Billy NoMates, whose real name is Tor Maries, described the level of personal abuse as “insane” and requested that all footage be removed.
In response to such incidents, BBC 6 Music launched an initiative called Change The Tune, aimed at combating online abuse. The initiative includes a “code of conduct” for social media comments, discouraging users from posting if they don’t like the music and enforcing a no-tolerance policy for discrimination based on disability, gender, race, religion, or sexuality.
The issue of online abuse and fat-shaming is not limited to CMAT. Female artists, in particular, face constant scrutiny and comments about their weight and appearance. Victoria Beckham recently spoke about how tabloid coverage of her figure after having her first child in 1999 affected her confidence. She recalled feeling anxious about going out in public and how such comments can impact one’s self-esteem.
Jorja Smith also addressed the issue last year after receiving criticism about her appearance in the music video for “Little Things (Remix).” She expressed her frustration, noting that people’s comments about her weight made her feel insecure. However, she remained determined not to let the negativity affect her, questioning what the commenters might be going through themselves.
Pop star Charli XCX faced criticism for not appearing on the cover of her upcoming album, Brat. Some fans accused her art director of “going on strike,” to which Charli responded by calling the demand for access to women’s bodies and faces in album artwork “misogynistic and boring.” She explained that the stark and in-your-face cover was meant to provoke thought and challenge societal expectations.
The issue of online abuse and fat-shaming is a pervasive problem that affects many artists. CMAT’s experience is a stark reminder of the challenges that female artists face in the public eye. Despite the negativity, CMAT continues to shine as a talented and acclaimed artist, proving that her worth is not defined by her appearance but by her incredible talent and achievements.
