A video of David Foster saying his wife, Katharine McPhee, was “fat” when she was on “American Idol” has resurfaced online — and fans are fuming.
“You may not know we met 17, almost 18 years ago when I was a little chubby and cheerful contestant on ‘American Idol,’”
McPhee, 40, said into a mic while standing on a stage during a joint performance with Foster, 74.
The singer pointed to the jumbo screen behind them, which flashed a picture from Season 5 in 2006.
At the time, she was competing for the coveted title, while Foster served as a mentor for the contestants.
“Oh, yeah — you were fat,” the music producer blurted out nonchalantly while sitting at a grand piano.
McPhee tried to make light of the moment by explaining, “I was a little chubby, OK? I was just young.”
But internet users blasted “shallow little man” Foster for the “totally ignorant” and “disrespectful” remark.
“Bad enough she called herself chubby, but then I nearly threw my phone,” one person commented beneath the clip, which went viral on Instagram, TikTok and Reddit.
“He’s revolting,” someone else chimed in, as another added, “I wonder what he says and how he treats her in private if he can be so bold and disrespectful in public.”
“If you look up ‘narcissist’ in the dictionary, guess whose photo you’ll see?” one critic quipped, while yet another dissenter lamented, “This made my heart hurt. This beautiful girl was NEVER fat. You don’t call your wife fat. As a joke or serious.”
A few netizens also pointed out, “Not to mention, she’s been open about having an eating disorder at that time! This is awful.”
Shortly after being crowned the runner-up of “American Idol” Season 6, McPhee revealed that she secretly struggled with bulimia until being chosen for the talent show in the fall of 2005 prompted her to seek help.
She and Foster didn’t begin dating until 2017; she went on to become his fifth wife in June 2019.
The musically gifted couple then welcomed their 3-year-old son, Rennie, in February 2021.
The following month, McPhee admitted that her pregnancy was triggering for her, explaining that “the biggest challenge” of the experience “was really the body-issue stuff.”
Reps for Foster and McPhee did not immediately respond to Page Six’s requests for comment.
David Foster’s insensitive comment towards his wife, Katharine McPhee, during a joint performance has caused an uproar among fans online. McPhee bravely addressed the incident on stage, acknowledging that she was a “little chubby” during her time on “American Idol.” Foster’s casual remark about her weight shocked many, prompting criticism and backlash on social media platforms.
It is disappointing to see such a disrespectful and ignorant comment made in public, especially towards his own wife. The reaction from internet users highlights the deep impact of body-shaming and the importance of sensitivity towards individuals struggling with body image issues.
McPhee’s openness about her past struggles with bulimia adds another layer of complexity to Foster’s comment. It is crucial to consider the emotional and psychological effects of such remarks, especially in a public setting.
Despite the controversy, McPhee has overcome her challenges and found happiness with Foster, eventually starting a family together. Their journey serves as a reminder of the strength and resilience that individuals possess in the face of adversity.
Let us learn from this incident and strive to create a more compassionate and understanding environment for ourselves and others. Together, we can build a community that values kindness and empathy above all else.
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Source: Tampa Bay Times
