In the shadow of reports about Kehlani’s health, here's another reminder that internet hate affects celebrities, no matter how famous or impenetrable they may seem.
Wentworth Miller was also the brunt of a cruel meme on Facebook, comparing a picture of the actor scary-skinny in Prison Break with another photo of the star several years later, looking like a normal person, with the caption "When you break out of prison and find out about McDonald's monopoly..."
Miller reposted the meme, with a long essay that, if you've ever laughed at a celebrity meme mocking their appearance, deserves a read. "Today I found myself the subject of an Internet meme. Not for the first time," he wrote. "This one, however, stands out from the rest."
He explained that in 2010, when the photo was taken, he was semi-retired from acting and struggling with mental health issues. "First and foremost, I was suicidal," he wrote. "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."
For Miller, his preferred form of "self-destruction" was food, which he relied on to get through the day — and which led to a substantial weight gain.
One day, out for a hike in Los Angeles with a friend, we crossed paths with a film crew shooting a reality show. Unbeknownst to me, paparazzi were circling. They took my picture, and the photos were published alongside images of me from another time in my career. "Hunk To Chunk." "Fit To Flab." Etc.
Miller, who's spoke out about struggling with suicidal thoughts before coming out as gay in 2013, is currently starring on the CW's Legends of Tomorrow. The responses to the post were overwhelmingly positive, as fans were happy to see him overcoming his struggles, and thankful that he raised awareness of important issues.
Miller also shared some valuable links for readers seeking help for the same mental health struggles he faced:
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: afsp.org
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Active Minds, which empowers students to change the perception about mental health on college campuses: www.activeminds.org
The Trevor Project, which provides resources to LGBT youth: thetrevorproject.org
International Association for Suicide Prevention: iasp.info
See his whole post here.
