“She hurt my feelings. I don’t think what I look like is relevant. And by the way, this whole ‘unhealthy’ thing has me baffled. It’s really confusing to me why anyone would have an opinion about that … It’s really disappointing. I can’t laugh—I’m an emotional person. … It’s a sensitive subject because it’s not something that should be talked about, because there is nothing wrong with me. I’m healthy and I shouldn’t even have to say any of that. What makes me unhealthy and puts me in danger is that kind of scrutiny itself. It’s the same as being bullied at school, and just because you’re getting older, it doesn’t mean that you aren’t hurt by it. You could make anybody cry if you told them that they’re ugly.”
Fiona Apple spoke to Pitchfork about an incident last week, in which she was heckled about her health by a fan at a concert. Midway through her set in Portland, a concertgoer shouted at the notoriously shy Apple, “Fiona! Get healthy! We want to see you in 10 years!” Apple apparently broke down on stage and yelled back at the heckler, “I am healthy! Who the fuck do you think you are? I want you to get the fuck out of here. I want the house lights on so I watch you leave!” The person was indeed ejected from the venue, and got in one last remark before exiting, shouting, “I saw you 20 years ago and you were beautiful!”
Credit: polskieradio.pl
Ugh, talk about the very definition of concern-trolling. Apple has long seen her slim physique scrutinized by fans and the media — yes, including 20 years ago — though there has been no real evidence to suggest Apple is anything other than healthy. Body-snarking anyone, heavy or thin, even under the guise of “concern” is still just body-snarking. And it’s fucking rude. Good for Fiona for giving this person the heave-ho, and for so eloquently explaining why such comments are unacceptable. [Pitchfork]
Original by Amelia McDonell-Parry
