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Tess Holliday Calls Out Fatphobia in Life Insurance Denial

2/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

Tess Holliday, a model, said she was denied life insurance because of her weight in a TikTok video.
She sarcastically acknowledged her ineligibility for life insurance, noting she is healthy and non-smoking.
Holliday called the "medical industrial complex" fatphobic and said the system is broken.
She recounted a flight attendant suggesting she lose weight with her son, urging sensitivity training.
She has reached out to United Airlines seeking awareness, not punishment.

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Story summary

Tess Holliday, a model, said she was denied life insurance because of her weight in a TikTok video.
She sarcastically acknowledged her ineligibility for life insurance, noting she is healthy and non-smoking.
Holliday called the "medical industrial complex" fatphobic and said the system is broken.
She recounted a flight attendant suggesting she lose weight with her son, urging sensitivity training.
She has reached out to United Airlines seeking awareness, not punishment.