Sophie Turner Opens Up About Facing Unfounded Plastic Surgery Rumors: Navigating Online Criticism

Sophie Turner Talks Being Accused of Getting Buccal Fat Removal Surgery

Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images

Sophie Turner, 28, recently opened up about her struggles with online trolls commenting on her appearance. In a candid interview with British Vogue published on May 16, she addressed rumors of plastic surgery. Turner explained that after overcoming bulimia in her early 20s, her face returned to its normal shape. However, she was bombarded with speculations about undergoing buccal fat removal. She expressed her frustration, saying, "You can never win."

Buccal fat removal, also known as buccal lipectomy or cheek fat removal, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that aims to reduce fullness in the face and accentuate cheekbones. (Chrissy Teigen underwent this procedure in 2021.)

Turner shared with Vogue that she continues to battle with her eating disorder, but she has learned to cope with it better as she has gotten older. She also takes breaks from social media to shield herself from negative influences.

"I've noticed that when I'm feeling down, my issues with eating tend to resurface," Turner shared with Vogue. "But now, I manage it by facing the discomfort head-on and getting comfortable with the sensation of being full. It's like exposure therapy to me. I believe that life itself is a form of exposure therapy."

Sophie Turner Talks Being Accused of Getting Buccal Fat Removal Surgery

Turner rose to fame early on when she played Sansa Stark in Game of Thrones, a popular TV series that ran for 8 seasons from 2011 to 2019. Despite the show ending, Turner remained a hot topic in the media because of her romance with Joe Jonas. The couple tied the knot in May 2019 and later parted ways in September 2023 after becoming parents to daughters Willa (born in 2020) and Delphine (born in 2022).

Things turned rocky between Turner and Jonas after their seemingly friendly breakup. Turner sued Jonas, alleging that their daughters, who hold American and British citizenship, were unlawfully kept in New York. She wanted them returned to England. Jonas refuted the accusations. In October 2023, they agreed on temporary custody. British Vogue recently revealed that the lawsuit was dropped in January.

Sophie Turner Talks Being Accused of Getting Buccal Fat Removal Surgery

Turner opened up to British Vogue about her legal battle, expressing moments of doubt and struggle. She recalled reaching out to her lawyer on tough days, feeling overwhelmed and unsure if she could continue. Despite feeling weak and unable to stand up for herself, Turner persevered through the challenging times.

Turner's attorney motivated her by reminding her that she was fighting for her children, which gave her the courage to keep going. She shared, "When someone tells me, 'Do it for your kids,' I am all in. I may not do it for myself, but I will find the strength for them."

In the midst of dealing with her divorce, Turner faced public criticism as a British tabloid published photos of her at a local bar. Meanwhile, Jonas was seen spending time with their daughters in Los Angeles.

"It was painful because I constantly criticize myself for every decision I make as a mother — mom guilt is a real thing! I had to keep reminding myself, ‘None of these negative thoughts are true. I am a good mom and I have never been a party animal,’” the actress shared, addressing the rumors about her and Jonas’ divorce.

The divorce between Turner and Jonas is still in progress.

Editor's P/S:

Sophie Turner's candid reflections on her struggles with online trolls and eating disorders highlight the pervasive issue of body shaming in society. Her experience of being bombarded with speculations about plastic surgery after recovering from bulimia underscores the relentless nature of body policing that women often face. Turner's resilience in confronting these challenges serves as an inspiration, demonstrating the importance of self-acceptance and prioritizing mental health.

Turner's legal battle over her daughters' custody further sheds light on the complexities of divorce and the challenges faced by parents who find themselves in cross-jurisdictional custody disputes. Her determination to stand up for her children despite feeling vulnerable shows her strength and unwavering commitment as a mother. The resolution of her lawsuit in January offers a glimmer of hope for families navigating such difficult situations.