Will Smith’s “pandemic body” has been getting some flack, but The View’s Meghan McCain is standing up for her childhood crush.
To advertise his partnership with YouTube, Smith shared an image of his body after 1.5 years in quarantine with the caption: “I’m gonna be real wit yall – I’m in the worst shape of my life.”
The original photo spread across the internet like wildfire with nearly seven million likes in only three days. According to the comments, fans seemed amazed to see such a candid and honest moment on Instagram. Major celebrities and everyday Instagrammers alike initially praised Smith for the bold move.
But wait—there’s a catch! Smith reveals his “pandemic body” was all just a publicity stunt for partnership with YouTube which coincidentally revolves around getting back in shape.
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“This is the body that carried me through an entire pandemic and countless days grazing thru the pantry. I love this body, but I wanna FEEL better,” Smith reveals in a caption on Tuesday. “No more midnight muffins…this is it! Imma gets in the BEST SHAPE OF MY LIFE!!!!! Teaming up with @YouTube to get my health & wellness back on track. Hope it works! 😬 📷: @westbrook @aidan.”
Since then, Smith has been staying consistent with intense workout shots and more body photos that highlight the gym’s aftermath. Although we’re glad Smith is making a transition for his health, some fans still wish they knew the full story before the first “pandemic body” pic went viral.
As Sunny Hostin says live on The View, “If that’s the motivation that people need to follow Will Smith’s journey, I think that’s great. But I can understand why some people feel like it was a little bit of a bait and switch.”
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However, McCain quickly jumps to Smith’s defense by saying his current body is just fine. After all, it did allow him to stay safe amid the global COVID-19 pandemic. What else can a man ask for?
“I love Will Smith and I mean not to be crass again, but like he can get it anytime he wants,” says McCain. “I think he looks great there too.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCCDbneuTbc
She does have a point! So what if the 52-year-old Aladdin actor and father of three no longer has six-pack abs? Health should always come before an Instagrammable physique in our books.
“I’m a big body positivity person . . . your body is your body and me having a body that honestly is healthy and has been through a lot—having a baby, having preeclampsia, having a C-section—I think everything,” McCain adds. “I wish we would just stop emphasizing weight in our culture.”
What do you think about this marketing ploy? Let us know by leaving a reaction below or tweet @celebsecrets.
