AMERICAN Idol finalist Catie Turner has sparked concern after looking totally unrecognizable and ‘unwell’ in new pictures.
Catie, 25, who found fame on the ABC show six years ago, posted a string of images marking her birthday, wearing a floral waistcoat top and a black skirt.
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But her appearance in the photos, however, has left fans questioning her wellbeing.
Many rushed to Instagram‘s comments section, with one asking, “Is she ok?”
Another added, “Oh girl sending you all the strength and love.”
Someone else pointed out, “She is clearly struggling with a weight issue. Prayers for this young lady.”
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A fourth recalled her past struggles, saying, “i’m worried because 5 years ago she spoke about having an eating disorder and this isn’t looking healthy.”
And, on a Reddit forum, they continued with their worries.
One wrote: “Poor thing looks unrecognizable. I hope she is getting help. It seems like EDs are very back in fashion in Hollywood.
“Something needs to be done to promote healthy weights in the industry. These people don’t realize how much everyday little girls look up to them, think they are the most beautiful things, and want to look just like them at any cost.”
Another sent their well wishes, saying: “Wow, she’s changed alot since i saw her last (which was a while ago). I hope she’s okay.”
Catie first rose to prominence on American Idol in 2018, where she impressed judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan with her quirky personality and original songs.
She finished in the top seven and later pursued a career in music, releasing four EPs: The Sad Vegan, Heartbroken and Milking It, Comedy & Tragedy: Act I, and Comedy & Tragedy: Act II.
Over the years, Catie has been open about her struggles with body image and mental health.
In past interviews and social media posts, she has spoken candidly about her experiences with disordered eating.
In a 2019 tweet, the star candidly shared her struggles with an eating disorder.
She wrote: “For the past couple weeks ive been really struggling w my eating disorder because it turned into binge eating and i was using food as self harm but today it was the first day ive been genuinely happy n in control and this has been a positive day and im just v v happy.”
She added in another: “if u know someone is in active recovery from an eating disorder and call them fat i hope u rot and then get ur scrotum attacked by roaches.”
In an interview with Stage Right Secrets that year, Catie discussed her openness about mental health and eating disorders.
She stated: “I want to be as transparent as I can with my audience. I want to build that relationship and let them know that it is OKAY to talk about it and to be open.
“I want to fight the stigma that labels mental illness as a dirty word or a taboo topic.”
Through her music, Catie has addressed themes of self-image and personal struggles, notably in her song Prom Queen, which critiques societal beauty standards.
She also uses her platform to advocate for body positivity and encourage others to seek help if they were struggling.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call or text the National Eating Disorders Association at 800-931-2237, or chat with volunteers online
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