For nearly a decade, Kate Upton has graced the covers of numerous magazines, including Shape. Rising to fame at the age of 27, the now-mother, gained widespread recognition after her appearance on the cover of the annual Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue in 2012, propelling her into one of the most sought-after models globally.
However, in a recent interview on theSkimm’s podcast, Skimm’d from The Couch, Upton revealed that while her success with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit was undoubtedly exhilarating, the public scrutiny of her body quickly took a toll on her emotionally.
During the conversation with podcast co-hosts Carly Zakin and Danielle Weisberg, Upton reminisced about the whirlwind of media attention that followed her 2012 SI Swimsuit cover. While she acknowledged feeling “incredible” about the initial success, she also admitted to experiencing discomfort with the newfound and widespread focus on her body.
Source:
“It was not great,” Upton said to Zakin and Weisberg with a laugh. “A lot of [the attention] was negative, and even the positive stuff was really creepy.”
As several prominent news outlets debated whether Kate Upton was “fat,” the model revealed on the podcast that she began to feel increasingly insecure. She recounted how the criticism surrounded her, explaining, “I took it all in, and it was everywhere.” The weight of the scrutiny deeply affected her, pushing her into what she described as “a very dark and twisted place.”
Even with family support, Upton expressed feeling unreachable during that period of intense scrutiny and self-doubt.
“I hated myself,” continued Upton. “I was really wondering why I would expose myself to this kind of criticism. I don’t want to be exposed to stuff like this.”
Source:
Kate Upton, who was only 19 when she landed her first SI Swimsuit cover, revealed on the podcast that being objectified at such a young age, particularly by older men, was deeply unsettling for her. She recounted a distressing incident at a pool party shortly after her SI Swimsuit cover reveal, where she faced unwanted attention and invasive photography. This experience left her feeling overwhelmed, leading her to avoid similar situations in the future.
Despite the challenges of enduring criticism and unwanted attention, these experiences prompted Upton to develop a genuine interest in fitness, not as a means to conform to societal standards of beauty, but as a way to prioritize her overall health and well-being. She expressed a desire to understand her body better and to focus on being strong and healthy rather than simply aiming to attain a certain physique.
Source:
This shift in mindset led Upton to collaborate with her trainer, Ben Bruno, to create Strong4Me Fitness, a 12-week program designed to empower women with 30-minute daily workouts that can be done at home with minimal equipment. Through this program, Upton aims to promote both physical and mental strength and confidence, emphasizing the importance of loving one’s unique differences and feeling confident in oneself. She hopes this approach to wellness will endure beyond just a passing trend.
Source:
In addition to her fitness program, Kate Upton initiated the #ShareStrong Instagram campaign, aiming to foster a supportive community where individuals can engage in open dialogue, uplift one another, and spread positivity. Through this initiative, Upton seeks to create a platform where people can freely discuss their challenges and triumphs, encouraging everyone to share their stories of struggle and strength. This campaign reflects Upton’s commitment to promoting inclusivity, empathy, and mutual support among all individuals.
Source:
With notable figures like Jessica Biel, fellow SI Swimsuit model Hunter McGrady, as well as individuals from all walks of life, embracing Kate Upton’s hashtag, #ShareStrong, by posting unfiltered and authentic photos, social media users worldwide are reminded that strength manifests in diverse ways. Upton expressed to Zakin and Weisberg her desire to persistently convey this message of inclusivity and empowerment throughout her career. She sees sharing her personal experiences, learning from her own mistakes, and serving as an example for embracing a fulfilling life as the trajectory she aims to pursue continuously.