Plus-Size Model Tess Holliday Shares Shocking Encounter with Flight Attendant Who Told Her to Lose Weight

Tess Holliday, a prominent plus-size model and advocate for body positivity, recently revealed a distressing experience she had on a United Airlines first-class flight.

The 40-year-old star shared that a flight attendant told her to lose weight during the flight, leaving her in a “state of shock” and sparking widespread discussion about body shaming and discrimination in public spaces.

Holliday was flying from Tampa, Florida, accompanied by her 9-year-old son, when the incident occurred.

She explained that after using the airplane restroom, she accidentally bumped into the flight attendant’s call button.

What followed was an unexpected and uncomfortable conversation that lasted about ten minutes, during which the flight attendant expressed unsolicited opinions about Holliday’s weight and health.

According to Holliday, the attendant began by mentioning that he noticed she was traveling with her child and suggested that losing weight would be in her best interest.

He went on to share a personal story about his sister, who he described as “very, very large, probably [Holliday’s] size,” and who had recently faced discrimination on a flight.

The attendant claimed that his sister needed to lose weight because of the long-term health effects associated with being overweight.

Holliday recounted that the attendant told her directly, “if I cared about my child, I would do something, that I would lose the weight.

” He implied that Holliday was “kidding herself” if she thought she did not need to lose weight.

The model described feeling frozen and shocked during the exchange, choosing not to make a scene in front of her son but deeply affected by the encounter.

The incident was particularly significant for Holliday’s son, as it was his first time flying first class since he was a baby.

She had hoped the experience would be exciting and memorable for him.

Instead, the uncomfortable conversation cast a shadow over what should have been a joyful moment.

In a TikTok video detailing the incident, Holliday emphasized that while some might interpret the flight attendant’s comments as well-intentioned, the delivery and content were inappropriate.

She stressed, “That’s not the point.

You don’t say things like that to people.

” The attendant’s persistent remarks, she said, were unwelcome and invasive.

The flight attendant also allegedly mentioned that someone had filed a complaint against his sister for her weight, and that United Airlines had reached out to him with comments that made him uncomfortable.

Despite this, he agreed with the notion that his sister needed to lose weight, illustrating his personal bias on the subject.

Later in the flight, the attendant approached Holliday’s seat offering snacks and reportedly gave her son gummies to prevent him from being “tempted.

” This gesture, while seemingly kind, added another layer of discomfort to the situation, highlighting the awkwardness of the interaction.

Following the incident, Holliday reported that she contacted United Airlines.

The airline acknowledged the complaint and said they would address the matter with the team member involved.

Holliday made it clear that she did not want anyone to lose their job but hoped the airline would implement sensitivity training to prevent similar situations in the future.

United Airlines has not issued a public comment on the incident beyond acknowledging the complaint.

Fox News Digital reached out for further comment but received no additional response.

This incident involving Tess Holliday has reignited conversations about body positivity, discrimination, and the treatment of plus-size individuals in public and commercial settings.

Despite growing awareness and advocacy, many plus-size people continue to face judgment, unsolicited advice, and exclusion.

Tess Holliday has been a vocal advocate for body acceptance and inclusivity throughout her career.

Rising to fame as a plus-size model, she has challenged traditional beauty standards and worked to create space for diverse body types in the fashion industry.

Her experiences highlight ongoing societal challenges related to weight stigma.

Weight discrimination is a pervasive issue that affects many aspects of life, including healthcare, employment, and social interactions.

Studies have shown that people with larger bodies often face bias and prejudice, which can negatively impact their mental and physical health.

In the context of air travel, weight discrimination can manifest in various ways, from seating accommodations to customer service interactions.

Airlines have faced criticism for policies that may inadvertently marginalize plus-size passengers, such as requiring the purchase of additional seats or failing to provide adequate seating options.

Holliday’s story underscores the need for greater awareness and sensitivity among airline staff and the broader public.

Unsolicited comments about a person’s body, especially from service providers, are inappropriate and can cause emotional harm.

The incident also raises questions about professional training for airline employees.

Sensitivity training focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion could help prevent such encounters and foster a more respectful environment for all passengers.

Public reaction to Holliday’s revelation has been largely supportive.

Many praised her courage in speaking out and highlighted the importance of addressing weight stigma.

Advocates for body positivity have used the opportunity to call for systemic changes in how society treats people of all sizes.

Social media platforms have become crucial spaces for sharing stories like Holliday’s, helping to raise awareness and build communities of support.

The viral nature of her TikTok video brought the issue to a wide audience, sparking dialogue and empathy.

This incident is not isolated.

Other public figures and everyday individuals have shared similar experiences of weight-related discrimination in various settings, including workplaces, healthcare, and public transportation.

These stories collectively point to a broader cultural problem that requires ongoing attention.

Tess Holliday’s experience also highlights the intersection of motherhood and body image.

The flight attendant’s comments about her responsibility as a mother to lose weight added an extra layer of judgment and pressure.

Such remarks reinforce harmful stereotypes that link a parent’s body size to their ability to care for their children.

Experts in psychology and social work emphasize that body shaming can have profound effects on self-esteem and mental health.

For parents, negative comments about their bodies can also impact their children’s attitudes toward body image and self-worth.

In response to the incident, Holliday’s approach of seeking dialogue rather than punishment reflects a constructive path forward.

By advocating for sensitivity training, she aims to educate rather than alienate, promoting understanding and respect.

The airline industry, like many others, is evolving to meet the demands of a diverse customer base.

Inclusive policies and training programs are becoming more common, though progress can be uneven.

Holliday’s story serves as a reminder of the work still needed to ensure equitable treatment for all passengers.

Beyond the immediate context of the flight, this episode contributes to the larger movement advocating for body positivity and against discrimination.

It illustrates the challenges faced by plus-size individuals and the importance of allyship and systemic change.

As society continues to grapple with issues of diversity and inclusion, stories like Tess Holliday’s encourage reflection and action.

They remind us that respect and dignity should be afforded to everyone, regardless of size or appearance.

In conclusion, Tess Holliday’s revelation about being told to lose weight by a flight attendant during a first-class flight highlights ongoing issues of weight discrimination and body shaming.

Her experience sheds light on the need for greater sensitivity and awareness in customer service industries.

Holliday’s response—seeking awareness and sensitivity training rather than punitive measures—models a mature and constructive way to address discrimination.

Her story has resonated widely, sparking important conversations about how society treats plus-size individuals.

The airline industry and other sectors can learn from this incident by prioritizing inclusivity and respect in their policies and employee training.

Ultimately, creating environments free from judgment and bias benefits everyone.

Tess Holliday’s courage in sharing her experience contributes to the broader fight for body acceptance and equality.

Her voice continues to inspire change and remind us all of the importance of kindness, understanding, and respect.