Karl Lagerfeld clarifies his “Adele is fat” comment: “She’s a beautiful girl”

Two days ago, we covered a new Karl Lagerfeld interview. It was one of my favorites in a long line of enormously quotable and hilarious Lagerfeld interviews. Usually, Karl is rather hateful and bitter, but as I said at the time, it seems like the Kaiser is actually softening a bit. When he tossed off an insult directed at Adele, he cushioned the insult in praise. He rarely does that! Here’s his original comment, and keep in mind he was asked about Lana del Rey:

I prefer Adele and Florence Welch. But as a modern singer [Lana del Rey] is not bad. The thing at the moment is Adele. She is a little too fat, but she has a beautiful face and a divine voice. Lana del Rey is not bad at all. She looks very much like a modern-time singer. In her photos she is beautiful. Is she a construct with all her implants? She’s not alone with implants.

[Via previous Celebitchy story]

So, everyone got upset and people were all “This toad thinks he can judge Adele?!?” and even worse, “He’s right, she’s fat, I hate them both.” Personally, I thought that FOR KARL, it was high praise for Adele. He’s not a man who tosses out compliments like “beautiful face” and “divine voice” all the time. But Karl heard that people were upset, and so he offered a clarification to his original comments. He speaks directly to Adele, and he’s actually really sweet:

Karl Lagerfeld has responded to the frenzy surrounding his recent comments about British singer Adele’s weight — exclusively to Metro. Lagerfeld, who served as the global guest editor of this newspaper on Tuesday, told us: “I’d like to say to Adele that I am your biggest admirer. Sometimes when you take a sentence out of the article it changes the meaning of the thought. What I said was in relation to Lana Del Rey and the sentence has since been taken out of context from how it was originally published. I actually prefer Adele, she is my favorite singer and I am a great admirer of her. I lost over 30 kilos over 10 years ago and have kept it off. I know how it feels when the press is mean to you in regards to your appearance. Adele is a beautiful girl. She is the best. And I can’t wait for her next CD.”

[Via The Metro]

Aw. See, that’s high praise. He loves Adele. He knows what it’s like to be insulted, and he knows what it’s like to battle the bulge. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but Karl is getting me a little bit weepy. Oh, Anger Bear. You’re so sweet!

PS… Yes, I know he didn’t really apologize or take responsibility for what he originally said, but still. There are different rules for Karl.

Photos courtesy of WENN.

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79 Responses to “Karl Lagerfeld clarifies his “Adele is fat” comment: “She’s a beautiful girl””

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  1. Ogechi says:

    We all know that she is beautiful Sir Karl Lagerfeld, so don’t tell us what we already know.

    • Capella says:

      Actually, in the world of Lagerfeld Land, this is indeed the highest praise coming from the monarch of fashion.

      The man is so disconnected from every-day reality, that to be touched by a voice, simply proves how powerfully beautiful Adèle’s is!

  2. SweetLou says:

    Why is everyone so sensitive these days??? Adele is great, I love her. Although she’s not obese, she can stand to lose a few pounds, not to be skinny but to maintain a healthier weight. Why would he have to apologize? I don’t think he was trying to insult her, but what the heck? It’s the truth! It’s only the ‘hated’ celebs that are supposed to stomach ‘constructive’ criticism but the beloved ones, like Queen Adele can’t?

    • normades says:

      Agreed. I was told by someone on these boards that we should “never call anyone fat”. It’s like the word “fat” is un-politically correct now or something.

      • Camille (The original) says:

        Yes but apparently it is completely ok to bash people for being ‘too skinny’. 🙄

      • aprayerforthewildatheart says:

        Someone tried to convince me that since “skinny” is the height of society’s opinion of beauty (their words not mine) that thin people are not as negatively affected as overweight people when dealing with rude comments about their weight. Operative word “rude”.

    • Leticia says:

      agree

    • almond says:

      Completely agreed.

    • skipper says:

      I tell my son not to use either word. we concentrate on words like strong and healthy. not that I dont think these things but I aam trying to spare him my appearance obsessed attitude

      • normades says:

        You’re right. It’s not nice to call someone fat, and I never would to someone’s face, but I’m not sure what the acceptable term is these days.

        “Over weight”? “Chubby?” “Chunky”? What is the least offensive?

  3. nina says:

    Karl is so c&nty all the time, so I didn’t think his comments were mean either necessarily FOR HIM. I think his point was that lana del ray is more the norm in terms of what pop singers look like, but that adele is better and more authentic.

    • Tapioca says:

      Exactly – he’s an equal opportunities bitch, and he called even Heidi Klum “too heavy”.

      Face it – you’re NOBODY until Karl Lagerfeld calls you “fat”!

    • Justalark says:

      I agree! Karl is so outlandish and (comically) insensitive that he has become a caricature of a bitchy, quirky, diva designer. His comments usually make me cringe and chuckle at the same time.

      Having said that, I guess he never received the memo that explains that heavy women now prefer to be euphemistically described as “curvy” and “bigger,” not “fat” or “obese!”

      • OriginalTiffany says:

        C’mon, we have to love KK. Really, from him that is a huge apology. I remember him always being heavy, I think it was an off hand comment in relation to LDR. Obviously he really likes Adele to even clarify.
        He’s like someone’s hilarious, bitter old granny that makes crazy comments. Have to have one around. He’s like the fashion designer equivalent of Joan Rivers!
        Stop it Karl or I’ll think your heart has grown three sizes today. The fashion grinch.

      • almond says:

        Oh come on, let’s call a spade a spade. Or should we get really surrealist/expresionist/whatever and go all “ceci n’est pas une pipe”?

        She’s fat. It’s not an insult. It’s stating the obvious. Curvy should not be bandied about whenever just because some people can’t handle the truth. And mind you, I said truth, not insults. I don’t recall Adele being insulted and called mean names because of her fat and only idiots appreciate her music less because of her weight. But let’s not hide behind butthurt reactions and smelling salts.

      • aprayerforthewildatheart says:

        Justalark, you forgot “horizontally challenged”, and almond, could you please pass me the smelling salts. I’m getting the vapors from all this political incorrect-nesssssss…..*faints while clutching pearls*

  4. Camille says:

    [This comment was eaten by Adele]

    • Bite me says:

      Lol

      • Jessica says:

        LMAO!

        I’m fat and I know it, I will never say that i’m proud of it because it’s unwealthy.

        I think that Adele is gorgeous, she’s even more beautiful because she’s fat, because despite being fat she manage to look glamorous and beautiful. She has such grace, I really admire her. But still I wont give up my diet because of her I mean being overweight is unhealthy and if she can lose all of her weight I hope that people won’t hate her because of it like they hate J.Hudson.

    • aprayerforthewildatheart says:

      Camille, you’re a genius! Now she’s going to write a song about you…Oh, wait that’s Taylor Swift, NVM…

  5. Eleonor says:

    Rule number one: Kaiser Karl NEVER apologizes.
    I didn’t find the original quote insulting, I mean he could have said very worst thing,and in my opinion he stated the obvious, but softened the statement saying Adele has a beautiful face and a divine voice. Anyway it was cute for him trying to soften again.

  6. Jessica says:

    I don’t think it was insulting, really, he spoke the truth and it’s clear that after losing 30kg he’s … less indulgent with overweight people. I’ve seen that behaviour in a lot of people who lost weight.
    It’s like : “I did it why can’t you ?” or “I did it, everybody can do it! If you don’t do it you’re just lazy.”
    I kind of understand it because fat people remind them of who they were and in some way they get judgmental.

  7. Asli says:

    Hah. I can still remember when he walked out on the runway with those womens jeans on.

  8. bea says:

    Has he looked in a mirror lately? His crazy concoctions look like something a teenage goth might cook up! The blacks he’s wearing don’t even match. He exemplifies the worst of woman-bashing. His jealousy is palpable.

  9. Nina says:

    I think he really admires her, and I think she knows it

  10. spinner says:

    The British sure do love their eye makeup. Adele needs to tone that down a bit. She’s more heavy-handed than Duchess Kate… but we can’t give Kate a pass? Why??

    • Erinn says:

      I THINK that Adele’s makeup in that photo was at a place where she was to be on stage. Lots of people exaggerate their stage makeup so it will read better with the bright lights and the far away crowd. I’ve seen her with lighter makeup, so I don’t think it’s an every day thing at all.

  11. bk says:

    Anyone with eyes can see that Adele is a little overweight. Obviously, Karl does not think that lessens her worth as a person. She has clear gifts, and he took pains to point out how much he admires them. I think it lends a lot of credibility to those things he did praise, for everyone he spoke about. Karl doesn’t just offer platitudes and fake assurances that everyone is just perfect, and I think we need more of that in general. Nobody’s perfect– but here’s the thing– it’s OKAY.

  12. Maya says:

    Maybe Adele isn’t interested in providing her songs for his shows – like Beth Ditto did. He didn’t say anything about Ditto and she, compared to Adele, is the Titanic.

  13. Lisa says:

    Adele is pretty. But she’s fat. That’s all he was saying. Don’t kill the messenger, especially if he’s bringing the truth.

  14. Ashley says:

    I personally didn’t know who Adele is till this whole thing came up with his comment(So this is actually good publicity for Adele)
    I looked up Adele on google images, saw most of images showing her head and upper body(guessed then she must be Fat)
    found this picture of her(still not showing the whole body)

    http://www.celebzine.net/suffered-from-laryngitis-adele-postpones-5-tour-dates.html

    I am telling you people Adele is fat and should eat less or exercise more. Why do you want to mask something that is so obvious?
    I have not listen to her songs yet as I only listen to certain kind of music.

    • Erinn says:

      Oh really? She’s overweight? Goodness, I’m glad you told us! We would never have been able to come to a conclusion on that without your opinion!

      I’m sorry, that was a bit bitchy, but so was your comment. Though I’m surprised that you’ve never heard of her before- she’s everywhere.

      • Ashley says:

        My comment might be bitchy but to close your eyes and open your mouth and basically eat till you drop is only going to make you fat. From the 5 min research I did to figure out who she is I read that she has been cancelling a lot of performances, don’t you think she is in bad health?
        I have 3 jobs and no time to watch tv or follow new trends & I like to come to this site when I am taking a 5 min break during the day to cool down my brain….as I mentioned I listen to a certain kind of music. No never heard of Adele, hope she doesn’t end up like the other British singer Winestone as I read they went to the same singing school.
        I actually like Fat people because they are relaxed and happy all the time and not worried and full of tension like some skinny skeletons I know.
        I think moderate in everything is the key.

      • TheOriginalVictoria says:

        She cancelled her performances because of her vocal chords. Not because of her weight. Just stop assuming that ever person who is not a size four is lazy and an over eater. You don’t know everyone’s physical build and what they do with their body, just like every thin person is not starving themselves.

      • aprayerforthewildatheart says:

        The only thing that really matters is if Adele is happy with her figure. If she is happy, good if she’s not, she has the resources to change it. She’s talented and beautiful, I don’t see why anyone else should care about her weight. Especially if she doesn’t.

    • janie says:

      You only listen to a certain kind of music? You’re missing out on a lot 🙁

  15. Leticia says:

    “Curvy” is the new euphemism for fat. “Heavy” used to be the euphemism for fat, but even the adjective heavy made people hysterical, so now heavy has been replaced by curvy. Soon even curvy will be deemed too harsh and will be replaced by “fluffy”. In the future, plus sized will be called FLUFFY.

  16. Beatrix says:

    The apology was superfluous. He should have stuck to his original statement which is, after all, what he said.

  17. TheOriginalVictoria says:

    well there is a difference between being curvy and fat. Beyonce is curvy as was J.Lo. Roseanne way back when was fat. There is a danger in calling curvy fat becaust it gives women ho will never ne stick thin, but are nowhere near obese complexes.

    Like people call Gisele and Lara Stone curvy. Gisele & Lara have big boobs. Big boobs does not a curvy girl make. She is skinny with big boobs. It’s more about having an hour glass shape.

    • marie says:

      Ah, Giselle has big boobs???….she is quite flat chested and not at all curvy. Adele is fat and so what.

  18. Reece says:

    I’m fat, I know it. First to admit it. (really need to be going for a walk right now instead sitting at my laptop *snort*) But I didn’t find his comment offensive. I’ve had WAY worse and far more backhanded thrown at me than that.

    You know I wonder what the comments would be if Adele did decide to lose weight? Half of them would slam her for conforming.

  19. no thanks says:

    errm she is fat, fact.. next

  20. keri says:

    Karl is on the cover of newsweek with the headline “lagerfeld is overrated” The best quote “Karl needs Chanel more than Chanel needs Karl”. I think his comments were true about Adele. Yes, she’s fat, and I think the PC people are jumping on this way too much. It’s manners and tact not to spout out comments like that, but it wasn’t false or anything. Karl is just a caricature of himself and he’s taking Chanel down with him. Coco is rolling in her grave.

    • demian bichir says:

      NEWSWEEK = AHAHAHAHAHAHAH!
      Are they serious?LOL!

      This man has definitly become a caricature but he’s F***ing talented.

      He’s not bringing down CHANEL he keeps the brand alive OKAY!

  21. HadleyB says:

    Karl you are overly tan, and wrinkly. You are looking like a Shar Pei. Can you even clean those neck folds?

    Hey, I am just saying the truth.. it’s not like he doesn’t know he’s old, like Adele doesn’t know she’s fat right?

    God I wish they would replace him at Chanel… it’s been too long… I can’t stand him. How old is he? 90??

  22. Mario says:

    He’s hideous and yes she is fat. She has a huge head.

  23. LeeLoo says:

    I love Karl in all of his bitchy glory. It’s as if he is incapable of not being bitchy.

    I love Adele, don’t get me wrong. But one adjective to describe Adele is fat. Adele seems to be owning it, so I don’t 100% get why ol’ Karl’s comments were overly offensive.

  24. sm255 says:

    I long for the day when people would no longer have to ‘clarify’ themselves in order to satiate to other peoples’ pleasure/approval.

  25. Stacia says:

    Who is he that we need to regard ANY of his comments as if he were GOD. Who care what he thinks.He needs to stick to fashion.

  26. Sara says:

    Awww, you’re right, he’s usually such an ass but here he’s being nice. It actually makes me like him a little bit.

    I can’t wait for Adele’s next CD either 🙂

  27. Moi says:

    Well Mr. Lagerfeld looks like a walking corpse. Nice gloves and outfit. NOT!!!

  28. Kim says:

    I never thought I would stick up for Karl but i dont think he was bagging on her. I think he is right – she is a bigger girl not fat but bigger & there is nothing wrong with that.

    The media constantly takes quotes out of context to create drama. He obviously adores her singing & thats all that matters.

  29. ezra says:

    She is talented and beautiful.
    I wish everyone would just shut the hell up about her weight. It is a moot point.

  30. Sara says:

    what’s the problem to call someone fat. we have to comeback because at the past, call someone fat wasn’t a bad thing. you have someone is skinny and other hand someone is fat.
    is good to talk someone is skinny and not call someone fat.
    she is little fat… so what… can we move on?
    I am skinny,… and people call me this.

  31. Aqua says:

    Too little too late.No one wants to accept responsibility for what they say and do any more.

  32. Blue says:

    I’m fat (losing, because I’m not happy)and I really hate when people call fat people curvy. Just like I hate when they call skinny chicks with implants curvy. To be curvy you need curves not rolls. That being said it’s very obvious that Adele is fat, she knows it, we know it. So I don’t know why people keep bringing it up. Her weight isn’t hurting anyone, no one knows what her health is like so we can’t say it’s hurting her either. Sure she could stand to lose weight but she clearly doesn’t want to. Personally if I had money I would have a nutritionist and personal trainer. But she’s not there yet and maybe never will be, it’s her decision.

  33. demian bichir says:

    She should be honnored that KARL even mentions her name in HIS interview. That’s a big acomplishement for any fat chick in the worl.I’m sure she never thaught that one day KARL would know her name.

    I mean what do you expect from a fashion addict?

    Can you even imagine KARL in his shower in the morning singing(in his Austrian accent)We could’ve at it all, ROLLING IN THE DEEP?LOL!DA IST HILARIOUS!

  34. NinaG says:

    I have no idea who he is, but regardless calling people fat is hurtful, I know I use to be overweight and now I am fit but it still cuts like a knife to hear people call you that as if that is all you are is your weight. I think you can excuse him you can excuse many other hurtful things people say, but when it’s something your sensitive about I bet your excuse for this Karl guy will change.

  35. corny says:

    Adele is chubby
    Karl is FUGLY
    case closed

  36. Maya says:

    Karl is Skeletor.
    In any case, I don’t see why Adele’s weight is a concern for anyone. Sure she has the funds to hire personal trainers and chefs, but at the end of the day she is a singer. Not a marathon runner. If she was a professional athlete and she put on weight, then yes, a comment about her weight would be justified. But she’s a singer for Christ’s sake.

  37. Kendall says:

    I don’t understand why everyone is making such a huge deal about this. This is KARL LAGERFELD we’re talking about, he thinks EVERYONE is fat.

  38. ds says:

    Why would or should he apologize? The fact remains: girl is fat. So what? Fact no2: she has a beautiful face. He just said what was plain to see. Why is it not bad to call someone skinny but is to call someone fat? the point is she’s got an amazing voice, who cares about anything else? Why is this even important?

  39. Trashaddict says:

    I would just like for people to STFU about the whole thing. Less commenting on people’s form, more on their substance and maybe people would get healthier.
    Maybe obesity and anorexia are rampant because people are so hung up on looks and not souls.
    Just because a person’s body habitus is a fact, does not require everyone to point it out. It’s impolite and should be left to their families and friends, and even then only when appropriate and only when broached in a kindly way.

  40. Ayee says:

    Who are we to judge Adele by her weight? Honestly, I know none of you insensitive people would go up to a “large” person and be like ” Hey, i think you’re fat . Lose some weight.” So what makes it right to publish RUDE comments on Adele’s weight? It’s HER body. And if she’s happy with it, why does it matter to you? Just because she doesn’t fit society’s definition of perfect, doesn’t mean she isn’t . Size 0 and 90 pounds IS NOT THE ONLY BEAUTIFUL ! Yeah, she’s big. But I guarantee she has a bigger heart than any of those who judge her . GO ON WITH YOUR LIFE PEOPLE !

  41. barbapppa says:

    Shes not only fat, she also looks like shes 40 or even 50 years old, and i just read shes only 23 wtf!

  42. KR says:

    It seems like everyone is more concerned with her weight than her music. Maybe the people who are constantly bashing on her for her weight should keep in mind that there is probably at LEAST one person in their own lives that is also overweight that they love/care/ or respect that they would never dare attack in the same way. When a musician’s weight is pushed towards the forefront of discussion it reveals how less appreciative of talent and how much more shallow our society is becoming.

    • jasonshmason says:

      if you want to be so politicly correct, take your comments elsewhere, cause you are on the wrong site, this is celebitchy after all, doofus

  43. g-star jacke says:

    if you want to be so politicly correct, take your comments elsewhere, cause you are on the wrong site, this is celebitchy after all, doofus