Billie Eilish is no stranger to making headlines, whether it’s for her unique music, bold fashion choices, or her outspoken views on social and personal issues. Recently, the Grammy-winning artist revealed that she lost over 100,000 Instagram followers after posting a photo that featured her wearing a corset. While the number may seem shocking, the incident speaks volumes about society’s complex relationship with body image and how people respond to change in public figures.
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From the very beginning of her career, Billie Eilish has taken an unconventional approach to her image. When she burst onto the scene as a teenager, she was known for her baggy clothes, oversized T-shirts, and a distinct lack of revealing outfits. Eilish herself has admitted that this was a conscious decision to avoid judgment based on her body.
“I never want the world to know everything about me,” Eilish explained in a 2019 Calvin Klein ad campaign. “That’s why I wear big, baggy clothes. Nobody can have an opinion because they haven’t seen what’s underneath.”
Her baggy clothes became a part of her signature look, a symbol of defiance against body shaming and the unrealistic beauty standards perpetuated by the media and the entertainment industry. For a young artist navigating fame, it was her way of controlling how she was perceived—she wasn’t going to be objectified based on her body.
In the summer of 2021, Eilish posted a photo on Instagram that took many of her followers by surprise. The image featured her wearing a Miaou tomato-print corset, with a lace bra peeking out. The post was a stark departure from the baggy clothes her fans were used to seeing her in, and the backlash was immediate.
According to Eilish, she lost over 100,000 followers almost instantly after sharing the photo. Speaking candidly in an interview with Elle, she explained, “I lost 100,000 followers, just because of the boobs. People are scared of big boobs.”
The reaction highlighted an uncomfortable truth: despite her efforts to break away from the restrictive norms around female bodies, many of her followers were unwilling to accept her choice to embrace a different style. Some accused her of being “disingenuous” or of having been “changed by the industry,” comments that struck a nerve for Eilish.
The criticism Eilish faced after posting the corset photo reveals how deeply ingrained certain expectations are when it comes to public figures. Many of her fans had grown attached to her original image and struggled with her decision to show off a different side of herself. As she explained, “People hold on to these memories and have an attachment. But it’s very dehumanizing.”
For many, Billie’s oversized clothes were more than just a fashion choice—they became a symbol of her identity, a way for fans to connect with her as someone who rejected mainstream beauty standards. However, when Eilish chose to wear something different, many fans felt betrayed, as if her change in style somehow invalidated the person they had admired.
This kind of reaction isn’t unique to Eilish. Celebrities often face backlash when they stray from the image their fans have come to expect. But in Billie’s case, the backlash highlights the absurdity of trying to force public figures into a box, expecting them to remain unchanged forever.
Eilish has long been vocal about her struggles with body image and the pressure society places on women to look a certain way. In her music, interviews, and even social media posts, she’s frequently addressed the unrealistic beauty standards that women are expected to conform to.
In 2020, after photos of her wearing tighter clothing surfaced, Eilish encouraged people to normalize “real bodies” and stop holding women to unattainable ideals. Her message was clear: bodies come in all shapes and sizes, and no one should be judged based on their appearance.
But despite her efforts, the reaction to her 2021 Instagram post showed just how much work still needs to be done in changing society’s perception of women’s bodies. The fact that she lost 100,000 followers over a single photo underscores how deeply ingrained body shaming and unrealistic expectations still are.
Despite the backlash, Billie Eilish has shown no signs of backing down. Her decision to post the corset photo was a conscious one, and she’s since continued to evolve her style, swapping out her baggy clothes for a more polished, mature look. Her British Vogue cover in May 2021 marked a turning point in her public image, with Eilish appearing in a stunning corset and looking every bit the confident young woman she is.
While some fans may have been uncomfortable with her new appearance, many others applauded her for embracing her body and defying the restrictive standards that have plagued women for generations. Eilish has made it clear that she’s not dressing to make a statement—she’s simply dressing for herself.
“The other day, I decided to wear a tank top,” she said in her Elle interview. “It wasn’t even a provocative shirt. But I know people are going to say: ‘Holy f***, she’s dressing sexy and trying to make a statement.’ And I’m like: ‘No, I’m not. It’s 500 degrees, and I just want to wear a tank top.’”
One of the most inspiring aspects of Billie Eilish’s journey is her unwavering commitment to being herself. Despite losing followers, despite the criticism, and despite the constant scrutiny, she continues to embrace her identity and refuses to conform to societal expectations.
With over 119 million Instagram followers, it’s clear that Eilish’s fanbase is still massive and dedicated. Her ability to speak out on body image, challenge norms, and remain authentic makes her a role model for young people everywhere.
Billie Eilish’s experience of losing followers after posting a single photo serves as a reminder of the challenges women face when navigating public life. Yet, it also highlights her strength and determination to push back against those who try to limit her. Eilish’s journey shows that no matter the criticism, staying true to yourself is the most powerful statement you can make.
In a world obsessed with perfection, Billie Eilish continues to champion body positivity and authenticity, showing that real beauty lies in confidence and self-acceptance.
