On May 20, 2023, a major ESPN segment featuring former National Hockey League star P.K. Subban took an unexpected and controversial turn. Subban, along with co-host John Buccigross, were scheduled to discuss Game 1 of the Panthers vs. Maple Leafs for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. However, what happened during the live broadcast shocked viewers and sparked intense backlash.
When Subban used his time on ESPN to shame Lizzo, a singer known for being plus-size and a body positivity advocate, fans took offense. Buccigross joked during the segment about how Toronto should “pack a lunch” after his team’s four games to two defeats by the opposing hockey team.
At that moment, Subban said the thing that shocked NHL fans and ended his career. He concluded, “Maybe they need to pack a Lizzo-sized lunch.” He appeared out of nowhere and made a remark to Lizzo while hosting a live broadcast for ESPN.
Lizzo was a staunch advocate of body positivity. It also proudly represents the plus-size fashion industry and launched a line of inclusive shapewear in 2022.
Fans demanded that Subban apologize to Lizzo for making fun of her size after hearing him make the remark. The retired hockey player was also branded a “clown” and “fatphobe” by fans for mentioning Lizzo’s lunch.
Twitter users responded to ESPN’s comment by writing, “PK Subban casually distinguished that Lizzo is NOT on my bingo card for tonight.”
“Sis Pk Subban really just say ‘Lunch the size of Lizzo?'” another fan commented. That’s… inappropriate. It’s fatphobic.
Meanwhile, another NHL fan expressed his surprise to hear the remark in real-time on Twitter, writing: “P.K. Subban says anyone needs a Lizzo-sized lunch?
I don’t think it’s appropriate to say that.”
Other notes on the internet were as follows:
“Lizzo was fat-shamed by P.K. Subban. Subban’s clown clown routine. He’s really terrible on ESPN.”
“Did P.K. Subban just make a fatphobic Lizzo joke?” another person commented.
“PK Subban is going to have to apologize for the Lizzo comment,” another fan commented. Subban, who retired from hockey in 2021, has yet to issue a statement or offer an apology for his comments. It is not clear whether Lizzo will demand an apology from the former hockey player or whether he will face any consequences for his statements. The only option for fans at this point is to wait and see what happens next.
However it turns out, P.K. Subban’s remarks highlighted the need for more inclusivity and body positivity in sports and beyond. Individuals should be admitted regardless of size or weight; they should not be judged. P.K.
Subban’s unfortunate remarks sparked a major debate about body positivity. With any luck, this will increase understanding and acceptance within and beyond the sports community.
An incident involving P.K. Subban’s disparaging comments about Lizzo during the ESPN segment sparked widespread outrage and sparked conversations about body positivity and inclusivity both in the sports world and beyond.
Subban’s mockery of Lizzo, a prominent body positivity advocate, drew a swift response from fans and viewers. His comments, perceived as fat-shaming, drew criticism and calls for accountability from the public. Fans took to social media platforms to express their disappointment and demand an apology from Subban for his inappropriate remarks.
Despite the uproar, Subban, now retired from hockey, has yet to comment or apologize for his comments about Lizzo. The situation remains unresolved, leaving uncertainty about the potential fallout or actions Lizzo could take in response to the incident.
However, this unfortunate incident has sparked a vital dialogue about the importance of embracing inclusivity and promoting a culture of body positivity in sports and across fields. She emphasized the need to respect individuals regardless of their size or appearance and to refrain from making derogatory judgments based on physical characteristics.
The controversy surrounding Subban’s comments serves as a catalyst to push for greater understanding, acceptance, and support for different body types. Hopefully, this incident will spark positive change and foster an environment of inclusivity and respect within the sports community and beyond.