Matlock’s Kathy Bates Slams Weight Loss Critics: ‘F– You’

Matlock’s star, Kathy Bates, sparked attention after addressing criticism of her weight loss and the assumptions surrounding it. The actress shared candid details in a recent interview, recounting her long journey with health struggles, the role of medication in her progress, and the emotional impact of the transformation.

Kathy Bates’ reaction to people talking about her weight loss

Kathy Bates has been candid about her reaction to comments surrounding her weight loss.

“People say, ‘Well, it was the Ozempic.’ F**k you, it was the Ozempic!” she told Variety. She explained that her weight loss journey spanned years, beginning with a diabetes diagnosis. Bates said she gradually lost weight to improve her health, referencing her family history with the disease. She added that Ozempic helped her shed the final 15 to 20 pounds and maintain the results.

The actress said the changes left her emotionally overwhelmed. “I looked at it on the hanger, and I thought, ‘That’s not gonna fit,’ I put it on, and it fit, and I just melted down. I just started crying and crying,” Bates said about trying on a new dress. She reflected on the emotional impact of losing “that armor” and questioned what she might have been hiding from in the past.

Bates emphasized that she does not tie her sense of “redemption” to her weight. “I finally feel like I’m who I am. I’ve fought my way through the rapids. I feel this is the best time of my life,” she said. Surviving cancer and securing the lead role on CBS’s Matlock have contributed to her current outlook.

Her career resurgence coincided with her health improvements. Bates said, “The juxtaposition of getting healthy and then this show coming along is just unbelievable. The timing of it is great.” She now holds the distinction of being the oldest-ever Emmy nominee for outstanding drama actress, which she called a “badge of honor.” Bates concluded, “It’s just the serendipity of all of it. I’ve never had any of this stuff happen before, where I’ve got five different designers sending dresses!”