Maya Massafera, the Brazilian digital influencer, has become embroiled in controversy following her recent comments about body image and societal preferences. During a social media interaction on February 24, 2024, she made headlines for stating her belief in the appeal of slimness, which she connected to cultural and socio-economic factors.
Following her gender transition, Massafera has received intense scrutiny over her physical appearance and changes to her body. She openly defended her preference for slimmer body types, saying, "No mundo da moda, a gente gosta de mulher muito magra. É gosto. Tem gente que gosta de mulher mais sarada, de mulher gorda. Eu acho mais bonito mulher magra." Here, she cites the model Kate Moss, referencing her famous sentiment about feeling good when slim.
Massafera did not shy away from addressing the disparity between different social classes and their respective beauty standards. She stated, "Gente rica ou francesa, ou que entende muito de moda, é apaixonada por magreza. Eu não estou nada magra para eles ou para brasileiros da elite. Agora, gente mais simples vai me achar magra. É normal, gente, desde que história é história." These statements imply a controversial correlation between wealth and bodily preferences, positioning slimness as ideal among the elite.
Furthering her argument, Massafera asserted, "Os desfiles de moda, a elite, gostam de uma pessoa magra. Então, não tem por que a gente atacar o outro: você aprendeu a gostar de gente mais gorda por causa da sua condição financeira." This approach to defining beauty standards led many of her followers to label her comments as elitist and out of touch, denouncing her perspective as damaging to the movement for body positivity.
The backlash on social media was immediate and fierce. Followers criticized her for making sweeping generalizations about body image preferences, arguing not only about the harm it inflicts on various body types but also questioning her empathy toward women fighting for body autonomy and acceptance. The digital environment buzzed with outrage, particularly on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), where hashtags related to her remarks helped amplify the dissent.
Critics argue her statements undermine the work of activists promoting body acceptance across different sizes and shapes. Many expressed disappointment, feeling Massafera has chosen to prioritize beauty norms typical to fashion runways rather than supporting diverse representations of bodies.
Conversely, some sympathized with her views, insisting everyone is entitled to their preferences. The divergent responses highlight the deeply personal nature of body image and the cultural weight carried by societal standards. Massafera herself responded to the backlash, maintaining her stance on preference and reiteration of the danger of weight shaming. She recounted advice from her grandmother, saying, "Minha avó é mais simples, e ela fala: 'May, engorda um pouco, parece que está passando fome'. Então, gente mais simples gosta de gente mais cheinha."
This generational commentary adds layers to the discussion on body image, with different attitudes observed through ages and classes reflecting broader societal norms. While the influencer attempts to connect her views with personal experience and cultural learning, opposition to her stance remains vocal. Discussions about her remarks have reignited debates around body image and wellness culture, questioning the wider societal effects on self-image across economic strata.
Maya Massafera's statements illuminate the complicated terrain surrounding body positivity, cultural inclinations, and societal expectations. They reflect not only her personal experience after transitioning but also shed light on the larger conversations still at play among various demographics. With many feeling hurt or dismissed by her comments, her situation serves as yet another reminder of the sensitivity required when discussing weight and societal beauty standards.
Her views may have sparked controversy, but they also have opened up necessary discussions about class, culture, and personal preference—challenging us to examine what influences our own perceptions of beauty.