Plus Size Woman Documents Herself Being Fat Shamed on Flight
When Natalie Hage was the victim of body shaming, not only did she stand up for herself — but she documented the entire interaction, blasted it out on social media, and exposed the “bulls*** fat people go through just for existing.”
On a recent flight to Los Angeles, Calif., Hage, who’s a plus-size model and influencer, noticed the person sitting next to her texting fat jokes.
Taking to social media, Hage shared photos and video and also recounted how she saw the man write, “I think she ate a Mexican,” and send it to a friend.
“I paid almost $70 extra for this seat I’m in because I know I need a little extra leg room,” she wrote. “As I sat down, the gentleman on my left began LOUDLY huffing, sighing, and readjusting himself in his seat. I see him furiously texting and then purposefully turning the phone away from me. So, naturally, next time he texts, I take a look.”
Hage detailed how the “really mean and ugly” messages were about her and she’s “almost positive” that he took photos of her as well. She also admitted that it seemed as if the man was trying to make her flight as uncomfortable as possible. “[He was] coming into my space and digging his elbows into my side, which is in my seat … I didn’t do anything to him. I’m in my seat, completely (see photos). I am crumpled into a ball trying to not bother,” she said.
However at the end of the flight it all became too much, so Hage decided to confront the man, filming herself talking to the passenger. “Hi, my name is Natalie. I couldn’t help but notice before we took off you were sending really horrible text messages about me,” she was heard politely saying in the video. “No, I wasn’t,” he replied to her. “I have photos, yes, you were,” she told him.
The man can then be heard apologizing for his actions, saying he “was drinking” before reverting back to his offensive behavior.
“Did you notice that I was nice to you in the air? I put my thing up for you, I gave you part of my table,” he said. “In fairness, you probably shouldn’t be sitting in an exit row seat. When they ask if you’re willing and capable to assist people in getting off the airplane in an emergency, do you honestly think you are?”
Hage goes on to ask, “You know nothing about me from the size of my body… making a quip like that after you’ve apologized makes you an extra a******… are you a doctor?”
“That’s none of your business,” the man, clearly caught out adds.
“My body is also none of your business. Don’t ever treat somebody like that again,” Hage says before getting up and leaving.
After the story went viral, she thanked her new followers and supporters whom have shared comments of congratulations for sticking up for herself.
A post shared by natalie. (@nataliemeansnice) on Jun 29, 2017 at 9:20pm PDT
She also noted that she confronted the man when the plane landed yet again. “i couldn’t NOT speak up,” she wrote. “i’m so tired of fat people being a social punching bag. i won’t stand for it. i hope this dude learned something today.”
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