Wentworth Miller Responds to Body-Shaming Meme

TV star Wentworth Miller was the target of an Internet meme regarding his past weight gain. In response to the body-shaming meme, Miller went on social media and wrote a powerful post about his struggle with depression and suicidal thoughts.

"Today I found myself the subject of an Internet meme. Not for the first time. This one, however, stands out from the rest," Miller wrote on Facebook. "First and foremost, I was suicidal. This is a subject I've since written about, spoken about, shared about. But at the time I suffered in silence. As so many do. The extent of my struggle known to very, very few."

The candid photo of Miller was taken during the time he semi-retired from acting and what he describes as "the lowest point in my adult life." In order to cope with his depression, Miller explained that he turned to food as a source of comfort.

"It could have been anything. Drugs. Alcohol. Sex. But eating became the one thing I could look forward to. Count on to get me through," Miller wrote.

During this point in his career, Miller was faced with headlines like "Hunk To Chunk," and "Fit To Flab" alongside photos of his weight gain. Miller admitted it "was the last thing I needed," during his fight for his mental health, however he prevailed.

"Long story short, I survived." Miller wrote. "So do those pictures. I'm glad. Now, when I see that image of me in my red t-shirt, a rare smile on my face, I am reminded of my struggle. My endurance and my perseverance in the face of all kinds of demons."

Miller explained that he was hurt when he saw the image, but instead of allowing himself to become a victim of a meme, he used it as an opportunity to speak out on the issue of body shaming and depression.

"But as with everything in life, I get to assign meaning," Miller wrote. "And the meaning I assign to this/my image is Strength. Healing. Forgiveness. Of myself and others.

The he creator of the meme, Lad Bible, later wrote a Facebook post apologizing to Miller and reminding us all that "mental health is no joke or laughing matter."