Wentworth Miller Responds to Fat-Shaming Meme: ‘I Was Suicidal’
Wentworth Miller (Photo: Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic)
Ever wonder about the people pictured in some of the online memes that pop up in your newsfeed? Wentworth Miller is here to encourage you think twice about what you might be laughing at.
The Prison Break star, 43, took to Facebook on Tuesday to respond to an Internet meme featuring side-by-side photos of him, which compared how Miller looked when he rose to fame in 2005 on Fox’s hit show to how he looked in a paparazzi shot from 2010.
“Today I found myself the subject of an Internet meme. Not for the first time. This one, however, stands out from the rest,” the DC’s Legends of Tomorrow actor began. “In 2010, semi-retired from acting, I was keeping a low-profile for a number of reasons. 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.”
The cruel meme in question (Photo: Facebook)
Miller, who has been vocal in discussing his suicidal past and discrimination over his sexual orientation, continued: "Ashamed and in pain, I considered myself damaged goods. And the voices in my head urged me down the path to self-destruction. Not for the first time. I’ve struggled with depression since childhood. It’s a battle that’s cost me time, opportunities, relationships, and a thousand sleepless nights. In 2010, at the lowest point in my adult life, I was looking everywhere for relief/comfort/distraction. And I turned to food. 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. There were stretches when the highlight of my week was a favorite meal and a new episode of TOP CHEF. Sometimes that was enough. Had to be. And I put on weight. Big f***ing deal.”
During this time period, Miller was unknowingly photographed while hiking with a friend in Los Angeles.
"The photos were published alongside images of me from another time in my career. ‘Hunk To Chunk.’ 'Fit To Flab.’ Etc… In 2010, fighting for my mental health, it was the last thing I needed,” he revealed. “Long story short, I survived. So do those pictures. I’m glad.”
Miller added, “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. The first time I saw this meme pop up in my social media feed, I have to admit, it hurt to breathe. But as with everything in life, I get to assign meaning. And the meaning I assign to this/my image is Strength. Healing. Forgiveness.”
The actor — who is reprising his role as Michael Scofield in Prison Break: Sequel — concluded by encouraging people to connect with someone who may be struggling: “Help is available. Reach out. Text. Send an email. Pick up the phone. Someone cares. They’re waiting to hear from you.”
Message received.
