Bebe Rexha is pushing back against body shaming following her appearance at the 2025 Met Gala, revealing a deeply personal struggle with infertility and a recent pregnancy loss. The pop star attended the prestigious event in New York City on May 5, 2025, wearing a striking black gown designed by Christian Siriano. However, her look drew sharp criticism from fellow artist Azealia Banks, who took to social media to voice her opinions.
In a tweet that has since been deleted, Banks, 33, commented on Rexha's appearance, suggesting that it resembled someone who had recently undergone hormonal birth control. "Sis gives me - hormonal birth control implant or something. It’s giving Implanon/Nuvaring she needs removed or depo shot that needs to stop happening (I’m not even tryna play her)," Banks stated on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
Rexha, 35, was quick to respond to Banks’ remarks, expressing her frustration with the ongoing comments about her weight. In a now-deleted tweet, she opened up about her struggles, stating, "I’m so tired of people commenting on my weight. I have PCOS and struggle with infertility. I got pregnant, and it didn’t work out and I’ve been carrying that pain in silence. I never owed anyone that truth, but maybe now you’ll think twice before commenting on anyone’s body." This heartfelt message highlighted her battle with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common condition that can lead to weight gain and fertility issues.
Rexha's openness about her health struggles has been a recurring theme in her public persona. In previous interviews, she has discussed the pressures she faced in the music industry regarding her weight. In May 2023, she revealed that she had been advised to lose weight early in her career, stating, "They said to me, ‘Are you ready to get into bootcamp shape? You need to lose 20 pounds to do this career.’ I was 127 pounds at the time, and I had people around me telling me to get lipo."
After Banks’ critique, Rexha took it a step further by suggesting that the rapper seek therapy, mentioning that Lexapro had helped her. "And you might wanna jump on some type of therapy, sis, Lexapro worked great for me. Something that helps with the deep-rooted sadness and chaos you keep projecting. Healing looks good on everyone. Try it," Rexha tweeted.
Banks did not hold back in her response, dismissing Rexha's suggestion and criticizing SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) in general. In a series of tweets, she claimed that taking Lexapro had made her gain weight and worsened her depression. "B*tch that’s why your bustin’ out the bando!!!!! Lexapro LITERALLY made me fat!!! I’m not kidding. And it made depression even worse," Banks wrote.
Despite the backlash, Rexha has continued to advocate for body positivity and mental health awareness. She has previously been candid about her mental health, revealing in 2019 that she suffers from bipolar disorder. "For the longest time, I didn’t understand why I felt so sick. Now I know why. I’m bipolar and I’m not ashamed anymore," she shared at the time.
Furthermore, Rexha's recent health issues have included a visit to urgent care for a burst ovarian cyst, which she initially thought was appendicitis. This incident occurred just weeks before the Met Gala, adding to her emotional turmoil. "Three weeks ago I was in urgent care. I was in so much pain, my doctor thought it was appendicitis. But it was actually a cyst that had burst," Rexha explained in a TikTok video.
Rexha's journey has resonated with many, as she continues to challenge the stigma surrounding mental health and body image. Her candidness about her struggles with PCOS and the pressures of the entertainment industry has sparked conversations about the need for greater empathy and understanding.
Social media has become a battleground for discussions about body image, particularly for public figures like Rexha. The backlash she faced after the Met Gala is a reminder of the scrutiny that many celebrities endure regarding their appearances. Yet, Rexha’s response serves as a powerful reminder that everyone has their own battles, and kindness should prevail over criticism.
As the conversation continues, Rexha remains determined to embrace her journey and advocate for others facing similar challenges. "I’ve been learning not to judge myself and accept myself while also trying to make healthier decisions in my life. What I have learned though is numbers don’t define you, your heart does," she stated in a previous Instagram post.
The Met Gala incident has sparked a broader dialogue about body shaming and mental health, highlighting the importance of compassion in our interactions, both online and offline. As Rexha continues to navigate her health and career, she hopes to inspire others to embrace their authentic selves, regardless of societal pressures.
In the end, Bebe Rexha's message is clear: empathy and understanding are crucial, especially in an industry that often prioritizes appearance over well-being. Her story is not just about fashion or fame; it's about resilience, healing, and the power of self-acceptance.
