This ‘Riverdale’ Actor Apologized For Fat-Shaming Tweets
Earlier this week, fans found old tweets on his account fat-shaming people (especially women). They included tweets like “Fat chicks need to understand that wearing yoga pants is a privilege, not a right” and “Don’t tease fat kids, they already have enough on their plates…”
https://twitter.com/choniweed/status/1008469373353328640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fpeople.com%2Fhealth%2Friverdale-charles-melton-apologizes-fat-shaming-tweets%2F
Melton formally apologized in a statement to E! on Tuesday:
“I’m truly sorry for making inconsiderate comments several years ago and apologize to anyone I hurt. What I posted and said was immature, offensive and inappropriate. I am ashamed of how I acted and there is no excuse for that behavior.”
Many Riverdale fans were understandably upset by Melton’s tweets, given that one of the actors they’d grown to love had once spread such toxic ideologies.
Charles Melton disgusts me. I’ve struggled with my body my whole life, and never feeling comfortable with my weight. and just seeing someone I used to support say such awful things so carelessly, not only makes me furious but it makes me feel even more self conscious.
— m (@archiebettss) June 18, 2018
https://twitter.com/twoghostsdlx/status/1008476618778607616
Others stood up for Melton, citing that he had tweeted the comments six years ago and that he could’ve grown up since then.
https://twitter.com/ALD5867/status/1008934787732533248
https://twitter.com/lovelyxtragedyx/status/1008685196512620544
https://twitter.com/stolemyheartlou/status/1008425261317042176
Melton concluded his statement with a vow to make up for his wrongs in the future: “I’m striving to do better and will use this experience to grow, helping others to understand how these types of statements are completely unacceptable.”