Pugh revealed that she has struggled with the scrutiny of her body, especially after the backlash she received for wearing a sheer Valentino dress in 2022. She described the internet as a “mean place” and expressed how hurtful it is to read negative comments about her confidence and weight.
While acknowledging that the commentary never feels good, Pugh emphasized the importance of staying true to herself. She stated, “The one thing I always wanted to achieve was to never sell someone else something that isn’t the real me.”
Addressing criticisms of her confidence, Pugh clarified that her authenticity is not about seeking validation from others but rather embracing her true self. She acknowledged the challenges of photo shoots in her profession, explaining, “It’s portraying a completely different version of myself that I don’t necessarily believe in, but now I know who I want to show.”
This is not the first time Pugh has addressed criticism. In 2022, she clapped back at online trolls who body-shamed her for going braless. In an Instagram post, she defended herself and urged people to show respect and acceptance towards all body types.
In her British Vogue interview, Pugh confidently stated, “I know who I want to be and I know what I look like. There’s no insecurities about what I am anymore.”