Chloe Bailey

Chloe Bailey is one half of the singing, sister duo Chloe x Halle and an actress well-known for her role on ABC’s sitcom Grownish. Like many child stars, Chloe, who is currently 22 years old, has grown up in the public eye and was further pushed into the spotlight once her sister and herself signed on to Beyonce’s record label and had cameo roles in the superstar’s visual album, Lemonade. 

But, as is often the case, doing what one loves and doing it well is not a shield from the criticisms of the ever watching public, especially given the access into anyone’s life social media provides. Chloe started her own Instagram profile in January of 2021 and began posting regular content of selfies, short videos dancing and singing, as well as her own recreations of social media trends (such as the #bussitchallenge, a short video showcasing one’s ‘glow-up’ from their home lounge wear into sophisticated dress attire with the intro to Erica Banks song Buss It played in the background). Her young account (which at time of posting has 1.8 million followers) bore the brunt of comments critiquing her posts as being ‘too-provocative.’

Chloe responded in an Instagram Live (which has since been posted as an IGTV video). She shared in the tearful video at 22, she is only now learning that “it is okay to be all that you are and stand in that power” and that “she was not going to change who she is.” The Billboard Music article highlighted this quote: “A woman can be strong and stand in her power in every single way." Chloe said this in the IG Live video while wiping away tears. "I do it musically with my songwriting, with my producing. I feel so bada--. And I get the same feeling when I dance in my room, when I just own who I am and my body. And for so long, I used to think I was fat, and I used to hate my stretch marks and my cellulite. ... But now, I really love who I am.” That garnered a slew of support from fellow celebrities.

Chloe’s story is especially relevant as tomorrow, February 22, 2021 begins National Eating Disorder Awareness week. Her bravery to love herself despite not always seeing her own beauty, and share that vulnerability despite criticisms, is inspiring. While the entire series of events is a frustrating example of the challenges to appreciate one’s own beauty, as well as the stigmatization of more serious mental illnesses such as eating disorders, we will only change social norms through pushing on with unapologetic self-love. Chloe’s fortitude should serve as an inspiration to us all to love ourselves unconditionally and to embrace who we are knowing we are staying true to ourselves in light of criticism.