Reneé Rapp says she was body-shamed as the star of Broadway's 'Mean Girls'
Reneé Rapp was the star of "Mean Girls" on Broadway – and the subject of bullying from others on set, she says.
The "Sex Lives of College Girls" actress, 23, revealed in an interview with The Guardian published Wednesday that she experienced body-shaming during her time as it-girl Regina George on Broadway.
People "would say some vile … things to me about my body," Rapp told the outlet.
At the time she said she was being body-shamed, the actress and musician said she was also struggling with an eating disorder.
The combined stress was the deciding factor for Rapp to leave "Mean Girls" on Broadway and focus more on her music. She released her debut album "Snow Angel" on Aug. 18.
"Eating disorders don't just go away and like, you're healed, like: 'Sorry, I can eat again, ha ha!' It's a lifelong thing," she explained. "There are battles with addiction and whatever everywhere. I still struggle with it, but at least my parents know that I've been taken out of environments that were really harmful to my sickness, which is awesome and a huge win."
Rapp added that in some ways her parents are "more worried than they ever have been because they know more now."
The "Pretty Girls" singer added that she was prompted to discuss her eating disorder because she "suffered in silence for so many years."
"This generation is still super mean to each other. But we are more outspoken – and give less of a (expletive)," Rapp said.
The actress is set to reprise her role as Regina in a film adaptation of the "Mean Girls" musical from Paramount Pictures. A release date has not been set.
"This is a very specific version of the musical that has a really specific place in a niche, culty theater way, that I think expands it to maybe people who aren't super into theater," she told People in April.
Recently, Rapp played the role of hero as she stepped into action Monday to escort Drew Barrymore offstage during an unexpected fan encounter at a speaking engagement at 92nd Street Y, a cultural and community center.
As the audience member approached the stage, Rapp promptly got out of her seat and escorted Barrymore off the stage as security guards seemingly apprehended the individual, the video showed.
USA TODAY has reached out to representatives for Barrymore, Rapp and 92NY for comment.
Following the encounter, Barrymore and Rapp returned to the stage to resume the interview. The "Drew Barrymore Show" host praised Rapp for her response to the incident.
Drew Barrymore escorted offstageby Reneé Rapp at New York event after crowd disruption
"Well, I have a new definition of your sexiness. It's that level of protectiveness," Barrymore told Rapp, followed by a joking reference to the 1992 film "The Bodyguard." "That went full 'Bodyguard.'"
To show her appreciation, Barrymore then got out of her seat to give Rapp a hug.
"You are my Kevin Costner," Barrymore added, with Rapp replying, "I'll be that."
Contributing: Edward Segarra
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If you or someone you know is struggling with body image or eating concerns, you can call The National Alliance for Eating Disorders' clinician-run helpline from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. EST at (866) 662-1235. If you are in crisis or need immediate help, please text "ALLIANCE" to 741741 for free, 24/7 support.
