Shania Twain Opens Up About Childhood Trauma and Body Image Struggles
Country music superstar Shania Twain recently revealed that her desire to become a bodybuilder stemmed from the trauma of being "inappropriately touched many times" as a child. In a candid interview, Twain shared how this abuse shaped her perception of her body and self-image.
Shania Twain Reveals Childhood Trauma
Twain opened up about her struggles with body image and how the abuse she endured influenced her mindset. "I’ve always been uncertain about my body," she told Us Weekly. "As a young girl, I was inappropriately touched so many times and placed in offensive situations that made me hate being a woman."
She explained that this deep-rooted discomfort led her to envision a life where she could become a "big, strong man" who no one could mess with. "My mother asked me, ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ and I said, ‘A bodybuilder,’" Twain recalled. "I thought no one would dare touch my arms or anything else if I wasn’t okay with it."
Body Insecurities and Beauty Standards
Twain also admitted to hating certain aspects of her body as she grew up. "I hated my breasts, I hated my hips," she confessed. Growing up in an era where being "very, very thin" was associated with elegance and beauty, Twain struggled with societal expectations.
This isn’t the first time Twain has spoken about the abuse she endured. In a 2022 interview with The Sunday Times, she revealed more about the physical and sexual abuse she suffered at the hands of her late stepfather, Jerry Twain. "I hid and flattened my breasts," she said. "I wore bras that were too small for me, sometimes even two, to make myself appear less feminine."
Journey to Self-Confidence
Twain described growing up in a tumultuous household where she often felt unsafe. Tragically, her stepfather and mother, Sharon Morrison, died in a car accident in 1987. It wasn’t until her mid-20s that Twain began to appreciate her body and build the confidence she radiates today.
"Before I had my record contracts, I was the kind of woman who, when I walked into a room, it was clear no one should approach me. My body language said it all," she explained.
A Powerful Message of Resilience
Twain hopes her story will inspire young girls to develop their own sense of strength and self-confidence. "Walking on the beach in a swimsuit now, I think, ‘What was I waiting for?’ I don’t have the perfect body I imagined, but that’s okay," she shared. Twain emphasized the importance of not comparing oneself to others and finding confidence from within.
Defying Industry Doubts
Twain also reflected on her groundbreaking career, which blended country and pop music with bold, pro-women themes. At the time, her style didn’t fit traditional country music norms. "It was its own thing," she said. Despite industry skepticism, Twain stayed true to her vision. "I wasn’t interested in being anything other than original and myself. That’s my greatest strength."
Today, Twain has sold over 100 million records worldwide and is celebrated as one of the best-selling artists of all time. Her pioneering work has paved the way for artists like Taylor Swift, Kacey Musgraves, and Kelsea Ballerini, all of whom credit Twain as a significant influence.
Through her honesty and resilience, Shania Twain continues to inspire fans with her message of strength, self-acceptance, and authenticity.
