Model Eden Pines Responds to Criticism Over Weight and Health After Paris Photo

Following a controversy sparked by a photo she posted from Paris, Israeli model Eden Pines addressed public criticism regarding her weight and health. The backlash intensified after fashion photographer Adi Barkan and model Liat Blue publicly expressed concern, with Barkan linking her appearance to potential eating disorders and Blue condemning the culture that glorifies extreme thinness. Pines, who recently married singer Osher Cohen, responded in a video posted on Sunday night, emphasizing that she maintains a healthy lifestyle through exercise and nutrition and feels strong and confident.

Pines criticized the public for making assumptions about her health based on a single image or short video, calling it a trivialization of serious medical issues like eating disorders, which require professional and sensitive attention. She rejected the notion that she "expected" criticism by posting the photo, stating that body shaming is not about weight but about people feeling entitled to judge others' bodies. Pines highlighted the emotional impact of such judgments and urged society to refrain from making conclusions about others' personal struggles, saying, "No one knows what another person is going through."

The controversy began when Pines shared a photo from Paris wearing a small top, prompting Barkan, known for his activism against eating disorders in modeling, to comment on social media expressing worry. Blue, who has personally battled eating disorders, also responded, condemning the culture that idolizes extreme thinness. Before Pines' direct response, her sister had defended her against the criticism. Pines' statement aims to shift the conversation toward empathy and awareness rather than judgment and gossip.