Katie Maloney took to her Instagram page on Thursday night to address a recent photo shared by her Vanderpump Rules castmate, Raquel Leviss, who posted the image days ago while wishing Katie a happy birthday.
In a lengthy post to her fans and followers, Katie targeted those who encouraged her to be “pissed” about the supposedly “mean” and unflattering pic, saying that she was extremely happy in the photo Raquel shared and opening up about the intense body scrutiny she’s faced in recent years.
“I wanted to post this photo that Raquel had posted on her story the other night, wishing me a happy birthday. Now it was alerted to her that this was ‘mean’ and to me that I should be pissed. Neither of those things are true. But here’s my issue. It’s assumed that because some have found it unflattering that I would agree or that I would be angry that someone would post an unflattering photo of me,” Katie wrote in her January 20 post.
In the photo, which was taken at Raquel and James Kennedy‘s celebration for their engagement, which has since ended, Raquel is seen looking lovingly at Katie, who is sporting a big smile.
“When I saw this I was like omg I look really happy, like that is a genuine smile right there,” Katie explained.
Still, after noting she is “not blind” and “can clearly see the expression I’m making has given me about 12 chins,” Katie said she’s been negatively impacted for years by people telling her to be “ashamed” of her body and “calling out weight gain.”
“It f-cked with me,” she continued. “It made me not even want to take photos with my friends and family, because I wouldn’t like the way I looked. Cause I couldn’t get past all the ‘unflattering bits’ and just enjoy the memories. I have scrapped photos and refrained from posting because of ‘bad angles.’ Worrying about more judgement and criticism from people. But not anymore.”
According to Katie, she’s done letting haters get her down and has dedicated herself to continuing to work on improving her self-image.
“Self hate/criticism is more damaging than that of others. So really be kinder to yourself, it’s not easy some days, I have good and bad, but I’m working at it,” she added.
Following the post, a number of Katie’s followers, including Raquel herself, weighed in, slamming the controversy as “nonsense” and telling Katie she is “so beautiful.”
“Oh my goodness. I love you for standing up to this nonsense. People can be so cruel,” Raquel wrote in her comment. “I saw this photo and it [made] me smile cause it’s so candid. When I posted this, I kept thinking how effing cute your beaded heart bag is with that dress. I think you’re so beautiful!!!! People need to look at the bigger picture and realize that what they say can impact how we view ourselves if we let it. I admire you for not letting that get to you.”
“I agree!!!” Katie replied.
The Vanderpump Rules season nine reunion begins airing Tuesday, January 25, at 9/8c on Bravo.
Photo Credit: Charles Sykes/Bravo