Tilly Ramsay’s Celebrity MasterChef Australia co-stars have shared their support after the 19-year-old star was fat-shamed by a British radio host live on-air.
On Wednesday, Steve Allen, 67, referred to Tilly as a ‘chubby little thing’ on his radio show – a statement which sparked backlash among fans and celebrities alike.
Among them was legendary swimmer Ian Thorpe, who blasted the host’s derogatory comments as ‘entirely inappropriate’.
Support: Tilly Ramsay’s Celebrity MasterChef Australia co-stars have shared their support after the 19-year-old star was disgustingly fat-shamed by a British radio host live on-air
‘When Tilly came (to Celebrity MasterChef) we all just wanted to give her a hug – a 19-year-old girl on the other side of the world,’ he told The Daily Telegraph.
‘I just think that it is entirely inappropriate to be making comments about someone’s weight in any way.
‘I thought we’d got to a point where even making a positive comment on someone’s weight doesn’t seem all that appropriate either. I just feel for her.’
Not happy: ‘I just think that it is entirely inappropriate to be making comments about someone’s weight in any way,’ Olympic swimmer Ian Thorpe said this week
Heartwarming: Chrissie Swan posted on Instagram: ‘What a sad backward man. You know your power my girl. It’s growing and was never in doubt. Love you to the moon and back’. Pictured: Chrissie (left) and Tilly (right) during filming
Chrissie Swan posted on Instagram: ‘What a sad backward man. You know your power my girl. It’s growing and was never in doubt. Love you to the moon and back.’
Packed to the Rafters’ Rebecca Gibney took to Instagram to add: ‘Let me at him!!! Seriously?? That guy needs a good kick up the bum.
‘You are a brilliant, bright shining star – beautiful dancer, wondrous cook, exceptional human. And wise beyond your years.
‘Always remember for that one dimwitted t**t – there are millions who adore you. Keep killing it sweetheart – Australia loves you too.’
Outrage: Packed to the Rafters’ Rebecca Gibney took to Instagram to add: ‘Let me at him!!! Seriously?? That guy needs a good kick up the bum’
Fox Footy commentator Nick Riewoldt added: ‘You’re an amazing woman. I suggest this loser go and read “The Man in the Arena”. You got this Tilly.’
Fashion designer Collette Dinnigan added: ‘You are a dynamic, caring, beautiful and talented person and I miss you. Sending love.’
Judge Melissa Leong wrote: ‘This is not cool. Steve, you should be ashamed at your behaviour… you’re not exactly a supermodel mate.’
Hitting back: Responding to Allen’s remarks via her Instagram Stories on Thursday, judge Melissa Leong wrote: ‘This is not cool. Steve, you should be ashamed at your behaviour… you’re not exactly a supermodel mate’
Shocking: Allen (pictured) had referred to Tilly as a ‘chubby little thing’ – a statement that sparked backlash among fans and celebrities alike
Controversy broke out on Wednesday morning when Allen read a comment form a listener on-air, alerting him to the fact that Tilly was taking part in Celebrity MasterChef Australia as well as UK reality show Strictly Come Dancing.
Steve – who is on air between 4am and 7am – then remarked: ‘Is she? Well, she can’t blimming well dance!
‘I’m bored of her already. She’s a chubby little thing isn’t she. Have you noticed? Probably her dad’s cooking I should imagine.’
In response to the remarks, Tilly penned on Instagram: ‘ I try not to read and listen to comments and negativity however recently being called out on a national radio station by a 67-year-old man is a step too far.
‘Steve please feel free voice your opinions however I draw the line at commenting on my appearance. It’s such a shame that someone is trying to make such a positive experience negative.’
Shock: In her response post, Tilly revealed that she was ‘learning to accept’ herself but had still been left ‘hurt’ by the shocking remarks
Tilly continued: ‘This isn’t the first and definitely wont’ be the last comment made about my appearance and I accept that and I’m learning to accept myself.
‘But please remember that words can hurt. And at the end of the day I am only 19 and I’m so grateful for all the amazing opportunities I have been able to take part in.
‘And I understand that being in the public eye obviously comes with it’s own repercussions and I’ve been aware of this from a young age.
‘However, I won’t tolerate people that think it’s okay to publicly comment and scrutinise anyone’s weight and appearance. Love Tilly xx’
She captioned the post ‘#bekind’.
Famous father: Chef, social media influencer and TV presenter Tilly has over 9.5 million followers on TikTok, where she regularly posts funny videos of herself and father Gordon (left)