Beloved actress-turned-Food Network star Valerie Bertinelli is garnering support from her fans and fellow celebrities after being body shamed on Instagram.
Bertinelli responded to the hurtful comment made by an Instagram follower who said that she needed to lose some weight.
“Someone…decided to point out that I needed to lose weight. Because I don’t have a scale, I don’t have clothes that I’m trying to put on every day. And, I don’t have mirrors so I don’t see what’s become of me,” Bertinelli emotionally replied while fighting back tears. “You’re not being helpful. Because when you see somebody who has put some weight on, my first thought is that that person is obviously going through some things. Because if I could lose the weight and keep it off, I would.”
(Foul language warning!)
View this post on Instagram
Bertinelli’s honest response to the criticism was met with an outpouring of support. Pioneer Woman Ree Drummond, who recently shared her weight loss journey, was among the first to speak out in support of the actress. “This video is everything. Beautiful Valerie, you inspire, you encourage, and you make people feel like everything is good and right. You have done this your whole life. You win,” Drummond wrote.
Reba star Melissa Peterman, who played Barbara Jean, also voiced her support, saying: “You are beautiful. And I have come to the conclusion that people who make these kind of mean comments that lack compassion are the ones that probably need compassion the most because they are broken and unhappy. And that is a horrible way to exist. I love you.”
The following day, Valerie returned to social media to thank her fans for the support. “Thank you. There is so much kindness out there. I certainly do not feel so alone anymore.”
Bertinelli, who rose to fame at 15-years-old for her role on the television sitcom One Day At a Time, is releasing her first memoir in January 2022. Titled Enough Already: Learning to Love the Way I Am Today, allows the actress to reflect on her past while sharing advice and lessons she has learned.
“This book is about letting go of the mindset that made me feel broken and always trying to fix something about myself,” Bertinelli told PEOPLE of the memoir. “It’s the most personal, intimate writing I’ve done.”