Leading celebrity lifestyle and wellbeing expert weighs in on Katie Hopkins’ comments about I’m A Celeb’s Gemma Collins.
In terms of public perception, it may appear Gemma Collins has not done herself any favours with such a swift departure from the jungle, but as a therapist, I cannot say I am surprised as there are obviously deep-seated reasons behind her behaviour which I think warrant compassion rather than judgement. An educated commentary on her with relevance to why she left, her naivety or any other general form of discussion and constructive advice on how to overcome her issues that goes with the very nature of being in the public eye is acceptable, but these constant attacks on Gemma’s weight are no doubt having a further damaging effect on her and teenagers everywhere and exacerbating a generation that is already obsessed with weight and body image. I would have liked to have seen Katie Hopkins to draw on the fact she is a mother and not open the floodgates to more media attention on weight issues and focus on the heart of the matter which is that Gemma let her fears get the better of her. Gemma had a moment of weakness, she wanted comfort over proving herself to be the next Bear Grylls. That’s all.
Gemma could actually do a lot of positive with that message showing people that sometimes you need help to get over fears such as a clinical hypnotherapist, life coach or CBT counsellor and that perhaps with hindsight she might have chosen this route. This could be a great message to lots of people who look up to Gemma out there. Perhaps she could even attempt to go in next year and show her fan base that you can conquer your fears and that in the face of what seems impossible there is always room for inspiration. Katie Hopkins is well known for her blunt opinions and perhaps that is what is now expected of her, but as a Therapist I would question why she takes it to such a base level of personal attacks, after all, we are all human, and fallible, and nobody is perfect.
For Katie to have the ambition to be a gay icon, she should first know what that means. I have heard many definitions including such an icon to be well-versed in the arts of glamour and others suggesting they are inspirational role models but the one definition that stands out the most to me is that a gay icon should have, encourage and help achieve strength through adversity.
Katie Hopkins has chosen put herself in the limelight and present herself as someone who preys on those with obvious faults in order to make a name for herself and that she has successfully done, but the people she chooses to talk about are human, and have feelings. I do not believe body shaming, attacks that are tantamount to bullying or twitter jibes can be seen as anything but an unpleasant form of entertainment to some and to others a lack of empathy to those who have issues – but iconic – not at all. It is a primal instinct to attack those you perceive weaker that yourself, and we have seen such throughout history.
For Katie to have ambitions to be a gay icon i would recommend that she need a rethink of her belief system of what is an acceptable form of treating other human beings. I think Lincoln said it best when he said “I would rather be a little nobody, than to be an evil somebody” Not to say Katie is evil but her behaviour is lacking in social grace and understanding of the human condition and in my opinion not in alignment to the strong anti bullying stance of my friends, colleagues and clients who exist both in and out of the Gay community.
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Opinions expressed in this article may not reflect those of THEGAYUK, its management or editorial teams. If you'd like to comment or write a comment, opinion or blog piece, please click here.