Carly Waddell, a prominent figure in Bachelor Nation, has often found herself in the spotlight, not just for her appearances on Bachelor in Paradise, but also for her candid discussions about body image, motherhood, and the inevitable encounters with online trolls. Her experiences offer a glimpse into the pressures faced by public figures, particularly women, to maintain a certain image while also navigating the realities of pregnancy and postpartum life.
Controversy and Criticism
Waddell's journey hasn't been without its share of controversy. One instance that drew significant attention occurred when she promoted a weight loss product while pregnant. This sparked immediate backlash, with critics accusing her of endorsing unsafe products during pregnancy. One comment read, "You're pregnant and endorsing a company that sells unsafe weight loss products. Real nice." The criticism highlighted the sensitivity surrounding weight loss endorsements, especially when targeted towards pregnant women.
Waddell defended herself by stating that she had consulted with her doctor about the product. She also pointed out that the product had much less caffeine than coffee but gave her enough natural energy for her busy lifestyle.
Addressing Body Image and "Too Skinny" Comments
In another instance, Waddell posted a photo of herself in workout attire, which led to comments about her weight. Some followers remarked that she looked "very skinny," while others expressed annoyance at "really thin people" talking about limiting their candy intake. In response, Waddell took to her Instagram Story to address the criticism.
"OK I'm gonna get on a soapbox for a minute. Bear with me for a minute," she began in a video clip. "So I posted a photo today about to work out and I said, 'Back from vacation, back to moving my body. Should stop candy.' In no way is stopping candy a diet post. That's super weird, so the people that are saying that - that makes no sense." She went on to say, "And for the people saying I'm 'too skinny,' that's just rude. You're just being rude."
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Her response underscored the hypocrisy of body shaming, regardless of whether someone is perceived as "too skinny" or "overweight." As one commenter pointed out, "Thin. Doesn’t, Equal. Healthy. Y’all come on. You wouldn’t bat an eye at an overweight person posting about wanting to workout and get healthy."
Motherhood and Postpartum Realities
Waddell has also been open about the challenges of motherhood, particularly the postpartum period. One week after welcoming her son Charlie with her now-estranged husband Evan Bass, she shared a topless photo with cabbage leaves covering her breasts, along with a candid reflection on her postpartum experience.
"It's been a week since Charlie was born. He is the greatest blessing and one of the greatest lessons for me as a mom," Waddell wrote. "I had all these hopes and dreams that postpartum would be easier this time. But I still ache. I'm healing." This vulnerability resonated with many mothers who have experienced the physical and emotional challenges of postpartum recovery.
Standing Up to Mom-Shamers
Waddell is known for her willingness to clap back at trolls, especially mom-shamers. In one instance, she commended her friend Jade Roper for standing up to online criticism. During an episode of the "Bachelor Happy Hour" podcast, Waddell said, "Sometimes, when you feel really strongly about something, you will post a comment back that is so well-worded."
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