Jennifer Love Hewitt Opens Up About Lasting Pain from Bikini Photo Body-Shaming

Actress Jennifer Love Hewitt is getting candid about the emotional scars left behind after intense body criticism she received nearly two decades ago. In a recent interview, the Ghost Whisperer star reflected on the fallout from paparazzi bikini photos that were published in 2007 — images that led to widespread body-shaming headlines and online scrutiny.

“I don’t know if I ever really recovered,” Hewitt admitted, adding that the experience deeply affected her self-image and confidence. At the time, she was just enjoying a vacation, unaware that candid beach photos would spark national headlines questioning her body and appearance.

The actress, who had long been known for her girl-next-door image and curvy figure, said the backlash was both shocking and hurtful. “I remember feeling like my body was public property,” she shared. “People felt entitled to judge and comment — and it stuck with me.”

Since then, Hewitt has become an advocate for self-love, body acceptance, and mental health, using her platform to support others going through similar challenges. Now in her 40s and a mother of three, she says she’s learned to embrace herself more — but the memory of that public humiliation still lingers.

Her honesty is resonating with fans, many of whom see her as a symbol of resilience in the face of toxic beauty standards.