Columnist Liz Jones has written about the intense public criticism directed at women's appearances, drawing a parallel between her own experiences and concerns for singer Ariana Grande.
Jones, who identifies as a recovering anorexic, stated in a recent column that while criticism of appearance is difficult, it is important to discuss a woman's body, particularly when her career revenue is generated from young girls. Grande is reportedly stepping back from her career after her current tour concludes, and Jones noted that the singer appears "frail and unwell."
"We do not know what the problem is," Jones wrote. "I am a recovering anorexic – I'm not saying that she has that condition, but I know only too well what the effects of a serious illness are and I hope that someone is helping her."
Jones reflected on her own struggles with an eating disorder, including hiding her body with baggy clothes as a teenager and lying to medical professionals. She recounted writing about Amy Winehouse before her death, questioning why those around her had not intervened, and noted that her piece was later condemned by a friend of Winehouse's as contributing to her downfall.
"It's easy to be misconstrued," Jones commented, adding that the issue of female addiction, whether to cosmetic procedures, diets, alcohol, or relationships, is becoming a taboo subject. She shared an experience where a body-positive activist criticized her for attempting to understand morbid obesity by wearing a fat suit for an article.
Jones also recalled a past incident in 1999 when, as a magazine editor, she described supermodel Gisele Bündchen as having the "fragility of a sparrow." This comment led to an aggressive letter from Bündchen's agent and ostracization from other magazine editors. Despite these past repercussions, Jones stated she is speaking out again regarding Grande, not to body shame, but because she does not want Grande to experience a life of suffering.
"Fewer than half of sufferers recover from an eating disorder," Jones noted. She recalled predicting Winehouse would die by age 25, a prediction that proved accurate within two years, and stated that a photo of Grande crouched in a guitar case remains with her.
