Ronda Rousey hoping to redefine 'ideal' female body image... 'if anyone calls me fat one more time, I'm going to kill them'
'If I can represent that body type of women that isn’t represented so much in media, then I’d be happy to do that'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.UFC champion Ronda Rousey is hoping to redefine negative female body image in Hollywood.
Rousey is a former Olympic bronze medallist one of the most recognisable female athletes in the world and now a film star, set to star in a remake of Patrick Swayze 80s cult classic Roadhouse.
However, the 28-year-old also battled drug addiction and bulimia and in a lengthy interview with the New York Times, has admitted that she was once "afraid to show my big arms" as her body didn't match the 'ideal' she saw in magazines.
Rousey is now hoping to change that 'ideal' and has since appeared nude on the cover of ESPN magazine and for Maxim and Sports Illustrated.
"If I can represent that body type of women that isn’t represented so much in media, then I’d be happy to do that," she said.
"When women say that going on publications directed at men is somehow demeaning, I don’t think that’s true. I think that’s one really effective way to change the societal standard women are held to."
She continued: "We seem to be in this conflicting era for women, where women are doing so amazingly and taking over the athletic world, but we’re also in a time where...How can I really put it? That women without any skills that freeload are being glorified. That’s something I was raised not to be. That you’re supposed to contribute to the world, not consume from it."
Rousey also revealed that once, while filming a TV advert, she was told she had to lose weight.
The UFC champion had planned to anyway, "but because somebody said something really rude to me, I came into the shoot purposely way heavier."
Did they question her?
"Oh, hell no and the campaign ended up being amazing, even though I was heavier just to make a point."
She added: "I swear to God, if anyone calls me fat one more time in my life, I’m going to kill them."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments