I’m a plus size model – cruel trolls say I won’t make it past 30 but their insults are actually backhanded compliments

PLUS-SIZE model Tess Holliday has hit back at cruel trolls who said she “won’t make it past 30”.

The American beauty is 5ft 3 and a UK size 26, and has appeared in campaigns for Torrid, Marie Claire, and Vogue Italia, among others.

And while she does her best to advocate for other plus-size models, her curvy figure means she is subjected to rude remarks from trolls.

One comment came from someone who insisted they “didn’t mean to be rude” but asked “are you not scared of not making it past 30?”

Tess responded in another video on her TikTok page, as she said: “I am 39.

“39!”

Read more Body Shape stories

A man sitting behind her in the car could be heard gently sighing: “Oh Jesus!”

People were quick to comment on the clip, with many insisting Tess’ youthful appearance meant the insults turned into accidental compliments.

“They tried to insult you but they just complimented you,” one wrote, adding “you’re the winner baby!!!!”

“It’s the way you literally look like you’re in your 20s,” another said.

“Face card NEVER declines!”

“So he’s saying you look like you’re in your 20s!” a third laughed.

Plus-size model Tess Holliday wears plunging floral swimsuit as she relaxes at the beach in California

“My goodness you look so young certainly not 39,” someone else wrote.

“You do not look 39 girl! you got them good genes! lol!” another added.

“I love accidental compliments,” someone else cheekily said.

As another commented: “What I heard was ‘you could pass for 20’ so congratulations!”

“The way I thought you were 30!” another wrote.

And when someone else sighed about “these people”, Tess insisted she’s not worried about trolls.

“I have been laughing all day I love it!” she giggled.

“Insane for you to even reply to the trolls in the first place,” another insisted.

“You’re too beautiful to give a f**k.”

@_nelly_london – Nelly has been on a journey with breast corrective surgery and has also shared her experience with eating disorders, her honesty and openness makes her a great follow.
@lottiedryna – She regularly shares content on living with IBS and finds bloat-friendly outfits to share with her followers.
@stephanieyeboah – Stephanie Yeboah’s body positive content has the most incredible message – everyone is worthy of being loved, plus she has the best fashion inspo going.
@isabelladavis6 – Bella’s content spans more than just body image and is ideal for women wanting a community of women supporting women.
@jessontheplussize – She advocates for women wearing what they want no matter their body shape.

Others urged Tess to drop her skincare routine, with the model opening up about her favourite products in a chat with Cools.com.

“I’m such a skincare junkie,” she said.

“Joanna Vargas Skincare is amazing; I go to Joanna for facials and she’s great.

“I use her masks all of the time, my favourites are Euphoria and Twilight.

“I alternate between the two, and I kid you not I use one every single day.

“I also love Tatcha’s masks; they’re phenomenal and make my skin feel so clean and hydrated.”