We’re Not Going To Kick off 2021 by Body Shaming Kumail Nanjiani

Comedian and actor Kumail Nanjiani is our kind of guy: smart, empathetic, and sincerely geeky. So when he started trending on Twitter, I was worried that our unproblematic prince said or did something deeply uncool. Instead, I was shocked to discover that the internet was railing on Nanjiani for maintaining his muscular physique during the pandemic.

To be clear: a subsection of the internet is body shaming the already jacked Nanjiani because he is still … jacked?

Nanjiani made news at the end of 2019 when he debuted his newly ripped body on Instagram. The actor’s transformation was done in preparation for his role in the upcoming Marvel film Eternals. In the post, Nanjiani explains that he would never have been able to transform himself without the resources of Marvel and their team. “I would not have been able to do this if I didn’t have a full year with the best trainers and nutritionists paid for by the biggest studio in the world,” he said. “I’m glad I look like this, but I also understand why I never did before. It would have been impossible without these resources and time.”

Nanjiani has since been quarantining throughout the pandemic with his wife, who is high risk. And he’s been maintaining his physique throughout quarantine, which is apparently a problem for some people. Nanjiani was attacked online with baseless claims of steroid use and plastic surgery, presumably from people who are jealous that they’re not coming out of the pandemic looking like a superhero.

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?

Clearly, some folks are starting off 2021 by trumpeting their obvious insecurity and jealousy over Nanjiani’s body. But what they don’t understand is that Nanjiani was a heartthrob long before his physical transformation. His humor, his warmth, and his clearly loving relationship with his wife have made him a lowkey dreamboat for many.

Keep that toxic energy in 2020, haters. We’re Team Nanjiani all the way.

(featured image: Jesse Grant/Getty Images)

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Chelsea Steiner

Chelsea was born and raised in New Orleans, which explains her affinity for cheesy grits and Britney Spears. An pop culture journalist since 2012, her work has appeared on Autostraddle, AfterEllen, and more. Her beats include queer popular culture, film, television, republican clownery, and the unwavering belief that 'The Long Kiss Goodnight' is the greatest movie ever made. She currently resides in sunny Los Angeles, with her husband, 2 sons, and one poorly behaved rescue dog. She is a former roller derby girl and a black belt in Judo, so she is not to be trifled with. She loves the word “Jewess” and wishes more people used it to describe her.

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