CMAT Shares ‘Deep Sadness’ Over Body-Shaming Abuse After Radio 1 Big Weekend Set

CMAT shares deep sadness over body – Irish singer-songwriter CMAT has expressed her “deep sadness” following the body-shaming comments she received after performing at Radio 1’s Big Weekend. The artist, known for her bold style and emotive music, described the recent online harassment as a “difficult” period, particularly after her show in Sunderland. She highlighted the relentless nature of the criticism, which centered on her weight and physical appearance, and emphasized the emotional toll it has taken.

CMAT, whose real name is Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson, performed on the main stage of the music festival on Sunday evening, headlined by Olivia Dean. Her appearance on the event’s lineup sparked a wave of negative reactions, with fans and critics alike subjecting her to harsh critiques. The singer took to Instagram on Thursday to voice her frustrations, stating that the experience had left her feeling drained and unappreciated. “It is literally so boring for me, a gorgeous genius, to keep having to yap on about how horribly I am treated because of my body,” she wrote in a heartfelt post.

“IT IS LITERALLY SO BORING FOR ME, A GORGEOUS GENIUS, TO KEEP HAVING TO YAP ON ABOUT HOW HORRIBLY I AM TREATED BECAUSE OF MY BODY.”

CMAT’s comments reflect a broader pattern of online criticism she has faced. In 2024, she had previously pointed out that the BBC had disabled comments on a video of her performance at the Big Weekend in Luton, likely to shield her from the same kind of hostility. This time, however, the backlash continued, even after the festival ended. She noted that the comments were not limited to her performance but extended to her personal identity, with critics implying that her body shape was a choice rather than a natural part of her being.

Despite the negativity, CMAT remains resolute in her artistic expression. She described her body as something she “simply has,” rather than a statement she makes on purpose. “I am not choosing to look like this or weigh this much as some kind of punk rock act of liberty,” she clarified. This sentiment underscores her frustration with the way society judges women based on appearance, rather than their talent or contributions to music.

Her team has not yet provided further commentary, but CMAT’s latest post has reignited conversations about the pressures faced by women in the public eye. The singer emphasized that the abuse is not just a one-time occurrence but a growing trend as her fame increases. “There is no relief from this—nobody can protect me or save me from this, and all that is demanded of me is more and more work as every environment I am placed in becomes more hostile,” she wrote.

CMAT also shared screenshots of a Substack essay titled *Front Row Feels*, which she claims encapsulates the essence of her distress. The essay, written by a fan, compared the treatment of women performing at the same festival, highlighting how CMAT’s comments were contrasted with those directed at Zara Larsson and Olivia Dean. “What struck me most while scrolling through those toxic comment sections was the glaring disparity in how different women on that same lineup were treated,” the essay’s author noted.

“WHAT STRUCK ME MOST WHILE SCROLLING THROUGH THOSE TOXIC COMMENT SECTIONS WAS THE GLARING DISPARITY IN HOW DIFFERENT WOMEN ON THAT SAME LINEUP WERE TREATED.”

During her performance in Sunderland, CMAT took the opportunity to address the issue directly. She reminded the audience that people had left “very nasty comments” about her appearance after her 2024 show, which she had already highlighted in previous interviews. “It’s crazy because I’m actually very sexy,” she said, before performing her hit *Take A Sexy Picture Of Me*, a track that critiques the unrealistic beauty standards imposed on women. The song, she explained, was inspired by the insults she faced following the Luton event, where she told Radio 1’s Jack Saunders, “I was just wearing clothes and everyone was very annoyed at me for that.”

CMAT’s experiences at Radio 1’s Big Weekend have sparked a reflection on the intersection of fame and self-perception. Her latest post not only sheds light on the personal impact of body-shaming but also calls attention to the systemic nature of the issue. The singer’s frustration is compounded by the fact that while comments on her performance are often disabled, posts about other artists on the same festival remain open to criticism. This selective moderation has raised questions about the role of social media in shaping public discourse around women’s bodies.

As CMAT continues to navigate the challenges of her career, her public statements have become a platform for broader conversations about body image and gendered expectations. The singer’s candidness has resonated with many fans who have shared similar experiences, further amplifying her message. While the backlash has persisted, CMAT remains undeterred, using her platform to challenge the standards that have long dictated how women are perceived in the entertainment industry.

BBC Newsbeat has reached out to Radio 1 for a response to CMAT’s allegations, seeking clarification on the decision to disable comments on her performance videos. Meanwhile, the artist continues to focus on her music, using it as both a form of escape and a means of reclaiming her narrative. Her words serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for women to be judged on their abilities rather than their looks, and the emotional weight of that battle in an increasingly visual and judgmental world.

For now, CMAT’s team has chosen to keep their comments brief, but her posts have already generated significant attention. The artist’s latest reflection on body-shaming and online abuse adds to a growing body of work that challenges the beauty norms and expectations placed on women in the music industry. As she continues to perform and share her voice, CMAT’s journey remains a testament to the resilience required to stand against the pressures of public perception.

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