During a recent podcast appearance, Eiza González opened up about her emotional response to teen body shaming by media, recounting experiences from her early career that continue to impact her today. Speaking with Jesse Tyler Ferguson on the “Dinner’s On Me” podcast, González drew parallels between her struggles and those of Millie Bobby Brown, describing the pain of public scrutiny she endured as a teenage telenovela star in Mexico.
Public Criticism in the Spotlight: Eiza González’s Early Experiences
González’s career began on Mexican television, including an early appearance on Sesame Street, followed by her big break starring as the lead in Lola: Érase una vez, a modern adaptation of a Cinderella story. Reflecting on her teenage years, González recalled how the loss of her father in a tragic accident left her in deep distress. Her mother encouraged her acting as a means to find some happiness during an otherwise difficult time.
Landing a lead role after more than a year of effort became a turning point, but with it came an intense level of attention from both media and viewers. González was thrust into the limelight and quickly learned that not all the attention was positive. As the series premiered, she remembered the anticipation surrounding her character’s first big reveal on live television.
The Aftermath of Cruel Media Commentary
In her podcast appearance, González described how, after performing on the show for the first time, she witnessed adult presenters on a morning television program harshly criticize her looks and body:
“[Viewers] were waiting for the reveal of this character, and I came on stage, and I sang a song, whatever. The next morning, I’m watching the version of Today in Mexico, and they’re gonna talk about it. I’m like, ‘Oh my God, it’s just happening, this is crazy.’ I’m doing what I wanna do. And the presenters came on, and they’re 40 and 50-year-olds, and they’re like, ‘Ugh, she’s so ugly. She’s so fat. They could have gotten anyone, like why would they get her?’”
—Eiza González, actress
Those remarks left a lasting impression on González, causing her to feel embarrassment and shame that has lingered for years. The emotional toll, she revealed, was made heavier by her ongoing grief over her father‘s death and the pressures of public expectations.
“I remember even right now, I’m just like, ‘Oh my God, it was just so jarring,”
—Eiza González, actress
“And I was just like sitting there, like embarrassed with myself. Like even [now] it makes me tear up.”
—Eiza González, actress
Coping with Emotional Fallout and Identity Struggles
González admitted that the negative broadcast marked a beginning of relentless public and personal criticism. She felt compelled to maintain a positive image, smile for fans, and act as a role model, all the while deeply doubting herself and her worth.
“Now you become this child where you’re chasing approval, and now you’re like completely lost of identity. And you’re also completely lost because you’re mourning and you’re grieving, so you’re sad. And I’m touring and having to smile and be a role model and pretend like I’m okay when everyone’s bombarding [me].”
—Eiza González, actress
The actress credits her mother for providing much-needed support, helping her feel safer and more secure through this ordeal, even as González admits she was very hard on herself throughout the process. She said the internalized criticism “brands you,” and leaves a mark that is difficult to erase.
“I definitely got lost. I was very unkind to myself, my body, my thoughts, my soul, because I just never felt good enough,”
—Eiza González, actress
“And it’s something that stays with you forever because it’s sort of brands you, it marks you for life. And so it becomes a catch-up.”
—Eiza González, actress
Solidarity with Millie Bobby Brown and Other Young Stars
For González, seeing Millie Bobby Brown confront similar issues reignited the memories of her own struggles. Brown, known for her breakout role as Eleven on Stranger Things, has spoken candidly in recent months about negative headlines and comments targeting her appearance during the press tour for her new movie, Electric State.
In a widely shared Instagram video, Brown rejected the harsh public scrutiny and criticized the culture of dissecting young women’s bodies and choices:
“This isn’t journalism. This is bullying.”
—Millie Bobby Brown, actress
Brown specifically called out the behavior of some journalists and entertainers, including English comedian Matt Lucas, for making disparaging remarks about her so-called “mommy makeover.” She called attention to the troubling pattern of adults picking apart the looks and choices of young female celebrities:
“people who are so desperate to tear young women down,”
—Millie Bobby Brown, actress
“adult writers are spending their time dissecting my face, my body, my choices.”
—Millie Bobby Brown, actress
González expressed admiration for Brown’s resilience and willingness to speak out about how young women are often treated by Hollywood and the entertainment press.
“I really identified with what she was saying because she was reading this, she was explaining about her terrifying [experience] and I just found that really interesting because she was talking about being a grown woman and sort of finding the way she wants to dress and act and be, and and she doesn’t have to do it under other people’s terms. It’s under her terms,”
—Eiza González, actress
Broader Impact: The Lingering Effects of Body Shaming in Media
Both actresses’ stories shine a light on the lasting damage that media criticism can inflict on young individuals, particularly those thrust into the public eye at a tender age. González’s account highlights how negative attention can shape self-esteem, identity, and mental health for years. Brown’s willingness to confront the issue publicly has added momentum to conversations about respect and responsibility in reporting on celebrity figures, especially minors.
The dialogue around body image and public scrutiny continues to evolve, as more stars share their stories and call for change. Audiences, journalists, and those in the entertainment industry are increasingly being urged to move away from harmful commentary towards a more thoughtful, supportive approach. González’s emotional recounting of her experience serves not only as a personal reflection on the ongoing consequences of body shaming, but also as a reminder of the importance of empathy and respect for all individuals facing public attention.
