Chelsea Clinton defended Sean Spicer from fat-shaming, and here’s why it matters

It is no secret that we’re living in politically divisive times, so it might come as a surprise to some that Chelsea Clinton just defended Sean Spicer from fat-shaming. As in White House Press Secretary and staunch Trump advocate Sean Spicer.

The events unfolded after a reporter asked Trump advisor Steve Bannon why there have been fewer White House press conferences in recent weeks. Bannon “jokingly” replied that it was because “Sean got fatter.”

Readers were understandably outraged by the insensitive joke, and soon after the story broke, Chelsea herself tweeted, "The White House using fat shaming to justify increased opacity. 2017."

The White House using fat shaming to justify increased opacity. 2017. https://t.co/pWqupoAOXu

— Chelsea Clinton (@ChelseaClinton) June 20, 2017

Several commenters accused Chelsea of not having a “sense of humor” about the whole thing, to which she responded:

"Oh ok. So using fat shaming to avoid answering questions about increasing opacity. Got it. 2017" and eventually, "Fat shaming isn't a joke I find funny. Ever."

Oh ok. So using fat shaming to avoid answering questions about increasing opacity. Got it. 2017. https://t.co/RbUSc6ipZS

— Chelsea Clinton (@ChelseaClinton) June 20, 2017

Hi Jim! Just me as I was standing in line @Starbucks earlier. Fat shaming isn't a joke I find funny. Ever. https://t.co/cKIJR3UDnl

— Chelsea Clinton (@ChelseaClinton) June 20, 2017

Chelsea’s comments are important for so many reasons, not the least of which because they remind us that fat-shaming is never okay, even in the name of humor. So very many people in our culture still feel so much shame and inadequacy over their natural and beautiful bodies, and the last thing we need is a public figure — and a representative of our White House — normalizing that shame.

But perhaps more importantly, her defense of Spicer reminds us that we are always capable of treating others with respect, even when we fall on different sides of the political line. In a time when there is so much divisiveness and political tension, a little kindness and compassion can go a very long way.

Thank you for the important reminder, Chelsea. We’re striving to take a page from your book.