Joe McElderry, the former X Factor winner, has hit back at an online troll who made a cruel comment about his weight, using wit and a heartfelt message to call for more positivity online.
Joe McElderry's Witty Response to Body-Shaming Troll
The 35-year-old singer, who won the sixth series of The X Factor in 2009, shared a video on Instagram of himself dancing to his new single 'Love Me Out Loud'. Among the supportive comments, one user posted an image of the character Fat B*****d from Austin Powers with the caption: 'Piling the wieght (sic) back on aren't ya.'
Rather than ignoring the comment, McElderry gave it its own moment on his grid. He sarcastically replied: 'Aye huge Nick. Also it's spelt weight! I before e expect after C (sic).' In a lengthy caption, he expanded on his frustration.
McElderry's Message to the Younger Generation
'Why are we still having conversations about people's bodies… from complete strangers? It's such an odd thing to me,' he wrote. 'I suppose you can't have all the positives of social media without some of the negatives, and I know I'm very lucky to have had such a positive experience online over the years. Somehow, I've managed to stay pretty level-headed through it all… NO IDEA how!'
He continued: 'But I suppose the point of this post is really for the younger generation. Please stop this kind of negativity online. Comments about people's bodies can be so damaging and only create a horrible narrative across social media.'
'For the record, I feel the fittest I've been in a very long time. I'm happy, I'm healthy, and not that I owe anyone an explanation… but as I said last week: LET PEOPLE LIVE.'
Previous Instances of McElderry Clapping Back at Trolls
This is not the first time McElderry has addressed online abuse. In October 2025, he responded to similar weight jibes by posting a topless photo on Instagram, writing: 'Woke up this morning to a comment saying I'm "like a house end" (for those not from the North… that's basically calling me fat). Honestly, social media is wild isn't it?! The things people think they can say about other people.'
He added that he 'did what any self-respecting person would do… threw on my sparkly sequin trousers, said "f the haters," and went off to finish a pretty much sold out tour.'
Impact of Body-Shaming Comments
McElderry's response highlights the damaging effects of body-shaming online. According to a 2023 survey by the Mental Health Foundation, 34% of UK adults reported that comments about their weight or body shape from others had a negative impact on their mental health. The singer's call for positivity resonates with many, especially younger audiences who are often targeted by such abuse.
