How Kate Winslet dealt with criticism about her weight

She's had to deal with fat-shaming since she was young

Kate Winslet was fat-shamed

British actress Kate Winslet has always been open about the weight-related criticisms she faced in her youth, both at school and after rising to fame following her role in 'Titanic.'

An interview brings back memories

During a recent appearance on the American show '60 Minutes,' while promoting her latest film Lee, the actress reflected on the harsh remarks made about her during the 1998 Golden Globe Awards.

"Melted and poured" into the gown

In a clip shared by the show, Leonardo DiCaprio is seen accompanied by Winslet, who wore a black and white lace dress. In the E! News clip, someone can be heard criticizing how Winslet looked in the dress, suggesting she should have worn two sizes bigger and that it looked like she'd been "melted and poured" into the gown.

"It was absolutely appalling"

When asked about the comment, Winslet called it absolutely "appalling." “What kind of a person must they be to do something like that to a young actress who’s just trying to figure it out?” she said.

A common occurrence back then

Despite her feelings, Winslet explained that this kind of scrutiny was commonplace for women in the 1990s, when being rail-thin was in vogue. However, she did not let the criticism diminish her. She confronted the critics instead.

"I hope this haunts you"

The actress shared that when the opportunity arose, she "let them have it." "I told them: I hope this haunts you," Winslet recounted.

An emotional moment

While trying to hold back her emotions, Winslet said it was a significant moment." It was a great moment, because it wasn’t just for me. It was for all those people who were subjected to that level of harassment. It was horrific. It was really bad.”

Hollywood's double standard

Winslet also addressed the double standards women face in the entertainment industry. In the interview, she also recalled being praised for not wearing makeup in 'The Reader.' "People say, ‘Oh, you were so brave for this role. You didn’t wear any makeup. You had wrinkles. Do we say to the men, ‘Oh, you were so brave for this role. You grew a beard?’ No. We don’t. It’s not brave. It’s playing the part," she said.

She's had to deal with fat-shaming since she was young

After winning a BAFTA for her portrayal of Joanna Hoffman in 'Steve Jobs,' Winslet told the story of how a teacher tried to diminish her talent. "When I was 14, I was told by a drama teacher that I might do OK if I was happy to settle for the fat girl parts.. well, look at me now."

Her advice to women

At the time, the actress encouraged young women not to listen to negative voices, sharing how ignoring them helped her work through her insecurities. "Any young woman who has ever been put down by a teacher, by a friend, by even a parent, just don’t listen to any of it, because that’s what I did – I kept on going and I overcame my fears and got over my insecurities," she added after winning the BAFTA.