Christina Aguilera has spoken out amid criticism over her appearance.
The Grammy winner has been the subject of scrutiny on social media, with many accusing her of using Ozempic to lose weight and undergoing plastic surgery. Taking to Instagram, the singer shared a video montage celebrating her busy 2024 with a message to her critics, who have relentlessly taken aim at the singer.
"This year, doing something a little different. This is a reminder to everyone that you are your OWN STORYTELLER in your OWN LIFE," Aguilera captioned the video.
"No one else can dictate who you are. No one deserves an explanation. I am evolved enough to know that nothing comes easy, and no one is perfect. Everyone will judge you. No matter WHAT you do. And/or what you don't do," she continued.
"Acceptance comes with accepting yourself first," she added. "And the difficult journey it takes sometimes to get there. I celebrate everyone taking the time to put one step in front of the next every day in order to build the next version of themselves for the better. Allowing yourself grace, patience, and respect …"
Aguilera previously called out the double standards she has faced as a woman in the public eye and the scrutiny that comes with aging.
"It's a lot of stigma, a lot of old-school behavior and ideals that women have to look a certain way and that it's shameful to get older," she told Allure in an interview published March 2, 2023. "No matter what you do, you're going to have people that hate on you."
"I've always been a pretty open book about embracing my body, my looks," she added. "I think to each their own, and I think we [should] all do what's right for us, so I don't believe in judgment where that's concerned whatsoever."