USA TODAY
Kumail Nanjiani turned heads in late 2019 after revealing his muscular physique in preparation for his role as Kingo in Marvel s Eternals. About a year later, another picture of Nanjiani, the Pakistani-American star of Silicon Valley and The Big Sick, showed him celebrating 2021 in a tight, long-sleeved shirt that showed off his bulging biceps. It spurred quick backlash, with Twitter trolls accusing the star of taking steroids or having plastic surgery.
Nanjiani has not addressed the negative replies and did not respond to USA TODAY s request for comment.
But experts say the outcry over the actor s chiseled physique is a result of systemic racism and a misguided standard of masculinity.
Kumail Nanjiani accused of taking steroids for being too muscular
While some body-shamed the star, others asked why Chris Evans, Chris Pratt didn t get flack for their transformations
Hollywood star Kumail Nanjiani left his fans speechless last year with his transformation making headlines across the globe. But when the
Eternals actor dropped a New Year’s post over the weekend, the internet was suddenly divided.
Many mocked his ripped physique, suggesting that he was on steroids. Others felt his head had changed shape, requesting him to keep away from “the medicines Hollywood was making him take.”
It all started when Nanjiani shared a harmless, happy photo of himself enjoying a slice of cake on New Year’s. Happy New Year, I celebrated with a Pandan Tres Leches cake from @marysmakeshop that made me rethink everything,” he wrote in the caption. I only eat Pandan tres leches cakes from here on out. Hope everyone had a good and safe NYE. Here s to a better 2021 for
Fans of Nanjiani were quick to point out that the very people mocking him clearly have zero problems with a body transformation when a white guy named Chris does it. But I guess the same rules don’t apply to him? Sounds about white to me. It should also be noted that it is mostly MAGA supporters and Parler creeps coming after the openly liberal, democratic Nanjiani. But I guess they have nothing to say about Chris Pratt’s body?
Body shaming Kumail Nanjiani for…being jacked? Is way weird. Especially since all the Chris’ have done the same super-soldier program and never got any flack for it. I wonder what the difference is? pic.twitter.com/NIeUf3DwAb