Legendary singer and actress Barbra Streisand recently found herself amid an online frenzy after leaving a comment on Melissa McCarthy’s Instagram post. The comment, referencing the weight-loss drug Ozempic, sparked a wave of reactions and prompted Streisand to offer a clarifying explanation.
What Happened? Decoding the Instagram Post
On Monday, Melissa McCarthy, known for her comedic roles in films like “Bridesmaids” and “Spy,” shared a photo on Instagram featuring herself and director Adam Shankman at a gala event. The caption mentioned attending the event to honor choreographer Matthew Bourne. Fellow celebrities, including Glenn Close and Octavia Spencer, chimed in with positive comments about McCarthy’s appearance.
The “Ozempic” Comment and Subsequent Controversy
However, it was Barbra Streisand’s comment that garnered the most attention, and not necessarily for the intended reason. Streisand, complimenting McCarthy’s look, wrote (in a since-deleted comment), “Give him my regards did you take Ozempic?” Ozempic, primarily prescribed for type 2 diabetes, has gained popularity in recent years as an off-label weight-loss medication.
Streisand Responds to the Backlash
The “Ozempic” comment ignited a debate online, with some viewing it as an intrusive inquiry about McCarthy’s weight loss methods. Recognizing the unintended consequence, Streisand took to social media the following day to clarify her intentions. She explained that upon opening Instagram, she saw photos of her birthday flowers followed by McCarthy’s post. Streisand emphasized wanting to compliment her friend’s appearance and acknowledged forgetting the public nature of her comment.
The Rise of Ozempic and the Weight-Loss Conversation
The Ozempic reference in Streisand’s comment highlights the growing discussion surrounding this particular drug and its use for weight loss. While Ozempic has proven effective in managing diabetes, its off-label use for weight management raises concerns about potential side effects and the overall approach to weight loss.
Beyond the Headline: A Look at Streisand and McCarthy’s Collaboration
The social media incident offers a glimpse into the professional connection between Streisand and McCarthy. Although seemingly an unlikely pairing, the two collaborated in 2016 for Streisand’s album “Encore: Movie Partners Sing Broadway,” performing a duet of “Anything You Can Do.”
