Daisy Ridley has shared a powerful message about self-esteem.
The 24-year-old actress – who plays Rey in Star Wars: The Force Awakens – posted a glamorous picture of herself on Instagram with the words “I woke up like this. #no filter #nomakeup” before declaring “3 of these statements aren’t true” and warning that what is posted on social media is not always accurate.
She explained: “Social media is great but also a bit scary cause what people post is the most filtered, most carefully chosen and cleverly edited moments of their lives. And self-esteem is a huge issue for people around the world. My skin isn’t great so I don’t post no make-up selfies, much as I’d like to; I have a trainer urging me on in workouts and don’t include all the times I say ‘I can’t do it’ and I don’t smile all the time but I like to share the pictures where I am. But I actually do love myself, I try to think good thoughts always and am surrounded by the most wonderful people, so I’m keeping it balanced (like the Force, obvs). Just thought I’d say 🙂 (sic).”
This powerful message comes not long after the actress hit out at bodyshamers.
Daisy responded to a meme on Instagram which featured a picture of her in character as Rey with the words “I can’t believe the unrealistic expectations I’m setting for young girls. Who cast me anyway? Don’t they know real women have curves?”
Posting a screenshot of the meme, Daisy wrote: “‘Real women’ are all shapes and sizes, all ethnicities, all levels of brave, have families, don’t have families. I am a ‘real women’ like every other woman in this world.
“What’s weird is most of the time I see such gorgeous messages from people around the world. People who relate to something in Rey they haven’t found in a female character before. People whose daughters now think they can do things without the aid of a man, but who wouldn’t be ashamed to ask for help. People who loved that The Force Awakens has multiple incredible female characters. It is much more hurtful to continue to slate other women than BE a woman, BE a character, BE whoever you want to be.”
Want more breaking celebrity news? Click here.
