'Riverdale' star Lili Reinhart turns ridiculous pregnancy rumour into body-shaming lesson

A word to the wise for anyone thinking of criticising Lili Reinhart’s body: Don’t.

The 21-year-old actress is speaking out after an “unflattering photo” prompted fans to speculate that the ‘Riverdale’ star is pregnant.

In an Instagram story, Reinhart shared the following message aimed at those who suggested she and her boyfriend, co-star Cole Sprouse, were going to be parents.

The photo was taken while Reinhart and Sprouse were in New Orleans with fellow actors and friends, Zoey Deutch and Haley Lu Richardson.

“It’s unfortunate that one unflattering photo of my stomach circulating the internet causes hundreds of people to think that I’m pregnant,” Reinhart wrote. “Nope. Not pregnant.”

“This is just my body. And sometimes I’m bloated. Sometimes and unflattering photo is taken of me. Sometimes I go through periods of time where I gain weight,” Reinhart continuted.

“My body is something that I will NEVER apologize (sic) for. My body will constantly go through change. And so will yours. And that’s fine. So let’s not put so much time and effort into caring about a stranger’s figure.”

Reinhart’s co-star, Camila Mendes, shared her support by writing, “Inspired by you @lilireinhart. I feel bloated 24/7, my weight fluctuates constantly — it comes with being a woman and should be celebrated, not criticized (sic).”

“I used to fear that day that people start publicly criticizing my body and commenting on my weight,” the 23-year-old actress continued.

“I’ve suffered too much from my own self criticism and wasn’t sure that I could handle it from others. But seeing somebody as beautiful as Lili respond to public scrutiny by preaching and practicing self love is all it takes for me to overcome that fear. Proud to call her my friend. Let’s continue inspiring women to love their bodies.”

At only 21, Reinhart poignantly shut down negativity and spread body positivity.

Earlier this month, she got candid with fans yet again — this time about her struggles with cystic acne, saying it has caused “major self-esteem issues.”

“I always text my mom (sic) when I have a bad breakout. I tell her how ugly I feel and how these breakouts shatter my confidence every time they appear,” Reinhart shared after a particularly difficult photo-shoot where her “biggest insecurity was on display.”

“But I’m hoping that someday I can feel beautiful even if I’m having a breakout. And that I won’t feel obsessive or paranoid.”

Reinhart encouraged fans to share their experiences with the hashtag #breakoutbuddy to normalize acne and get rid of the shame associated.

“My breakouts don’t define me. To anyone out there who feels embarrassed or ashamed by breakouts… I feel you,” Reinhart wrote.

“We have each other. So let’s get through this acne experience together. I’d love to hear your skin story. Write or post about your acne experience under this hashtag I just made up off the top of my head.”

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Read more from Yahoo Style UK:

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