Liesl Laurie-Mthombeni. Picture: @liesllaurie.
In a bold move, South African model and former Miss South Africa 2015, Liesl Mthombeni, has taken to her Instagram to address the growing issue of body shaming and unwarranted pregnancy speculations on social media. In a video captioned “LEAVE WOMAN’S WOMBS ALONE!” she firmly calls out the public, urging them to refrain from negative comments and intrusive inquiries about her body.
Mthombeni, in a calm and collected manner, explained that individuals should not pass judgment on her or any woman’s appearance, especially when it comes to matters as personal as pregnancy. She emphasized the importance of respecting women’s choices and highlighted that if someone were truly pregnant, they should be allowed to make their own announcements.
Watch the full reel here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C4XwC1TNqYg/?igsh=cDgyajg3dDJqeXI2
“I’ve gained weight because I’m happy and I have money. Okay!” Mthombeni confidently declared, shutting down the critics and asserting her right to embrace her body and choices.
Notably, the model revealed that she had taken a proactive approach in dealing with online negativity by blocking individuals who made derogatory comments about her and her family. Her message resonated strongly with her Instagram followers, who flooded the comments section with support. Celebrities like Aamanda du-Pont and Bontle Modiselle applauded Mthombeni for drawing clear boundaries and standing up against the intrusive behaviour.
Commenting on the video, Amanda du-Pont stated, “Fine lines and people keep crossing them! Support you! This dancing on people’s heads stops here.” Bontle Modiselle expressed gratitude, saying, “And that’s that on that! I hate that you’ve been pushed to this point but absolutely LOVE how firmly and clearly you’ve set these boundaries for yourself and ALL women. Thank you, sis.”
Liesl Mthombeni’s courageous stance sends a powerful message against body shaming and invasion of privacy. By addressing these issues head-on, she not only empowers herself but also encourages women everywhere to embrace their bodies and assert their right to privacy in the face of online scrutiny. It’s a call for empathy, understanding, and a collective stand against the toxic culture of judgment on social media.
