Megan Barton Hanson Pens An Emotional Open Letter For International Women's Day

On the occasion of International Women's Day, Megan Barton-Hanson, named Avon UK ambassador to help ‘challenge traditional beauty stereotypes’, has shared an open letter for the Stand 4her campaign, about social media, death threats and body image:

‘I don’t always feel amazing. In fact, I make a real effort to share pictures on social media where I am not wearing any make-up, alongside the glam photography shoot where my hair and makeup has been done for me.

After I did Love Island, I got offered all sorts of projects but I am really picky about what I put my name to. The priority for me is helping women and girls to feel empowered to live the lives they want to lead, free from judgement. I have felt under huge pressure since I’ve been in the public eye, and had some horrible messages about choices I have made in my life. I was shocked at the volume of cruel comments that I received about the way I look, my decision to have plastic surgery, and how I decided to change my body. I have even received death threats.

Now that I have a platform where I can speak to young women, I really want to send out the message that it’s ok to be different, and you don’t have to conform to archaic female stereotypes, whether that relates to the job that you do, how you dress, or whether you choose to have cosmetic surgery or wear makeup. I hope that by speaking out I can make a difference.’

The Love Island star has also opened up about the women she looks up to. She first mentions her mum, saying that she’s her rock, but the second one might surprise you:

‘My biggest celebrity inspiration is Amy Schumer. She made me feel comfortable enough to go onto Love Island and own my background in the sex industry. She’s always been upfront about the fact that she’s a woman who enjoys sex, I wish more women would own it like that.’

She also shared an Instagram post, wishing a happy Happy International Women’s day to her fans, including publicity for Pretty Little Thing. This last action did not go unnoticed by her followers, who called her ‘fake’ for taking advantage of this special day for publicity, and therefore… Money.

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Image: Getty