Irish singer CMAT has spoken of her "deep sadness" after being targeted by body-shaming abuse following her performance at the BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend in Sunderland.
The musician, real name Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson, said she felt compelled to address the comments after learning of the abuse directed at photographs taken of her on stage at the festival on 24 May.
“Irish singer CMAT has expressed 'deep sadness' after receiving body-shaming abuse following her performance at BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend in Sunderland, saying her career success is 'tarnished' by the focus on her weight.”
In a lengthy Instagram post on Thursday, she wrote that her rise in the music industry has been increasingly "tarnished by the fact that I would be allowed to enjoy it so much more if I was thin".
CMAT, who has built a devoted following for her witty, country-tinged pop, described the past few days as "difficult" and said the abuse had left her feeling a "deep sadness".
The singer's set at the Sunderland event was widely praised by fans, but the online reaction focused instead on her appearance, prompting her to speak out.
She said she had been aware of the comments circulating and wanted to "wade in and speak for myself".
The 27-year-old has been open about her experiences in the music industry, and this latest incident has reignited debate about the relentless scrutiny female artists face over their bodies.
Social media platforms have become a breeding ground for such abuse, with celebrities often bearing the brunt of anonymous trolling.
CMAT's response has drawn widespread support from fans and fellow musicians, who have condemned the body-shaming as unacceptable.
The Radio 1 Big Weekend is one of the UK's biggest annual music festivals, drawing tens of thousands of attendees and millions of viewers online.
While the festival is a celebration of live music, it has also occasionally been a flashpoint for online harassment of performers.
The singer's statement has resonated beyond the music world, highlighting the broader issue of online misogyny and body image pressure faced by women in the public eye.
CMAT's career has been on an upward trajectory, with her critically acclaimed albums and energetic live shows earning her a loyal fanbase.
However, she has now made clear that the constant focus on her weight is taking a toll.
As yet, there has been no formal response from the BBC or Radio 1 regarding the abuse, but the singer's post has brought renewed attention to the need for better protections for artists.
The incident adds to a growing list of female performers who have spoken out about online vitriol aimed at their appearance.
Campaigners have called for social media companies to do more to tackle harassment, but progress has been slow.
CMAT's message has struck a chord, serving as a reminder that even as she achieves professional success, the personal cost can be high.
What This Means For You This episode underscores the prevalence of body-shaming and online abuse, which can affect anyone in the public eye. For readers, it highlights the importance of supporting artists and calling out harmful behaviour on social media. It also reflects the ongoing pressure on women to conform to unrealistic body standards, a issue that resonates beyond celebrity culture.