On a Tuesday evening in May 2023, former National Hockey League star P.K. Subban faced severe backlash after body-shaming singer Lizzo during a live segment on ESPN. Subban, who was co-hosting with John Buccigross to discuss Game 1 of the Panthers versus the Maple Leafs Stanley Cup Playoff series, used his massive sports platform to make derogatory comments about Lizzo’s body size and lunch.
Lizzo, known for her body positivity activism and being a plus-size fashion icon, quickly became the target of Subban’s insensitive remarks. While Buccigross joked about the Toronto team needing to “pack a lunch” after their loss, Subban took it a step further by saying they should “pack a Lizzo-sized lunch.” This unexpected comment rocked NHL fans and ultimately caused Subban’s career to plummet.
Outraged fans immediately demanded an apology from Subban for his fat-shaming comments towards Lizzo. They labeled him as “fatphobic” and a “clown” for his distasteful remarks about her lunch. Social media platforms, especially Twitter, were flooded with fans expressing shock and disappointment over Subban’s behavior.
In response to the incident, one Twitter user expressed their surprise, stating, “PK Subban randomly dissing Lizzo was NOT on my bingo card for tonight.” Another fan exclaimed, “Did PK Subban just say ‘Lizzo-sized lunch?’ That’s… not acceptable. That’s fatphobic.”
Subban, who retired from professional hockey in 2021, has yet to apologize or make a public statement regarding his offensive comments. It remains uncertain whether he will face any consequences for his actions or if Lizzo will demand an apology. For now, fans can only wait and see what transpires.
However, regardless of the outcome, this incident highlights the need for greater body positivity and inclusivity in the world of sports and beyond. No one should be judged based on their weight or size – everyone deserves acceptance, regardless of their appearance. Subban’s comments were entirely unacceptable, and this incident serves as a crucial reminder to foster a culture of understanding and acceptance, both in sports and in society as a whole.
