Jelly Roll's Wife Bunnie Xo Opens Up About His Response to Online Bullying Over His Weight

Bunnie XO Says Jelly Roll Left Social Media Because He Was Tired of Being Bullied About Weight

Bunnie XO and Jelly Roll. Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

Jelly Roll’s wife, Bunnie Xo, is speaking out about the cyberbullying he’s faced on social media.

Bunnie Xo, 44, (real name Alyssa DeFord), shared in a clip from her “Dumb Blonde” podcast on TikTok that her husband decided to stay away from the internet due to the hurtful comments about his weight. She expressed her sadness, mentioning how kind-hearted he is. The full episode will be released on Wednesday, April 24.

Bunnie Xo shared that her husband is actually hurt by online criticism, even though he may not show it. She emphasized that being a celebrity does not make them immune to the negative impact of hurtful comments on the internet.

She also highlighted the serious consequences of cyberbullying, indicating that it can have a significant impact on individuals, regardless of their public status.

"Do you have any idea how many people end their lives due to bullying each year? It's really heartbreaking. Let's stop bullying others because we never know what they might be going through mentally."

Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason DeFord and is 39 years old, tied the knot with Bunnie Xo in 2016. He has openly shared his ongoing battles with weight issues.

In 2015, I was over 500 lbs. The doctor's scale could only go up to 500 lbs, so they recommended that I go to a meat processor or truck stop to get my actual weight. It was a very humiliating experience for me," shared the country singer on Instagram in August 2018.

Bunnie XO Says Jelly Roll Left Social Media Because He Was Tired of Being Bullied About Weight

Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for CMT

He went on to detail his experience losing “roughly 200 lbs” before gaining 60 lbs back while touring.

I have always been overweight and it has made me really unhappy. I want to experience new things like skydiving, bungee jumping, riding a bull, parasailing, and going on roller coasters. I just want to live a regular life and have a healthy relationship with food.

Recently, Jelly Roll achieved a victory in his journey to lose weight.

He shared with People that he has already lost around 70 pounds. He mentioned that he has been exercising regularly, doing two to three miles a day for four to six days a week. Additionally, he spends 20 to 30 minutes in the sauna and six minutes in a cold plunge every day. He also mentioned that he is currently eating healthy.

The musician also revealed his goal to lose another "100-and-something" pounds in the future.

He expressed, "I feel great right now. If I feel this amazing at this weight, I can only imagine how I'll feel when I start touring."

Despite Bunnie Xo's comments about Jelly Roll taking a break from the internet, he continued to post on Instagram as recently as April 9th. In February, he showed love to his wife on the social media platform.

"We don’t really celebrate Valentine’s Day with flowers, gifts, and love letters because these things are already a constant in our relationship. But I always take the opportunity to show off this amazing woman. So, if Valentine’s Day is another chance to showcase how wonderful and beautiful you are, then Happy Valentine’s Day," he wrote alongside a photo of the couple walking hand in hand.

The couple first met at one of Jelly Roll’s shows in 2015 and got married at the Little White Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas the following year. Bunnie Xo also stepped into the role of a stepmom to Jelly Roll’s two children from previous relationships: 15-year-old daughter Bailee Ann and 7-year-old son Noah. Jelly Roll has praised his wife for wholeheartedly embracing her role as a stepmom.

In May 2020, he expressed on Facebook that Bunnie is a remarkable woman. She is able to raise a child who is not biologically hers with love and care as if the child was her own. Beyond her social media presence, podcasts, and business ventures, Bunnie is praised for her kind and compassionate nature. He feels incredibly fortunate to have her as a partner in life, recognizing her as an exceptional mother figure who deserves more recognition for her selfless actions.

Editor's P/S:

It's disheartening to witness the toll that cyberbullying can take on individuals, even those in the public eye like Jelly Roll. Bunnie Xo's plea for compassion highlights the profound impact of hurtful comments on mental health and well-being. The fact that Jelly Roll, despite his public persona, is deeply affected by these criticisms serves as a powerful reminder that celebrities are not immune to the emotional pain inflicted by online harassment.

Bunnie Xo's advocacy for her husband and her emphasis on the severe consequences of cyberbullying are commendable. Her words underscore the urgent need to address the detrimental effects of digital hate and promote a culture of empathy and respect online. Jelly Roll's ongoing weight loss journey demonstrates his commitment to improving his health and well-being, and his vulnerability in sharing his struggles is an inspiration to others who may be facing similar challenges.