NEW YORK, Oct. 23 (UPI) — Vin Diesel is not letting Internet bullying get to him, after shirtless photos of the Hollywood actor looking less-than-toned went viral two weeks ago.
In a new interview with Complex magazine, the Last Witch Hunter actor said he felt offended over the invasion of privacy more than the negative comments about his “dad bod.”
“I have lots of kids, but you know, how do I feel about the invasion? That sneaky invasion of privacy feels weird. That’s not right,” he said in the interview, published Thursday. “How do I feel about people being so focused on [my body]? I’m okay because I’ve had the best body in New York City for decades. There is no love lost there for me.”
Diesel expanded on his reaction to his recent online hate to the BBC, saying although negativity is the “dark side to fame,” he doesn’t stay away from the Internet. According to the star, connecting with his fans and hearing their optimism outweighs anything else. “I think there’s great value in getting feedback in terms of social media,” he said. “I’ve been able to have a unique relationship with the audience that I believe has made the [Fast and Furious] films better because of it.”
The father of three took to Instagram last week to defend himself against negative netizens who got hold of the unflattering photos of him relaxing at a Miami hotel. On Sunday, he posted several shots of his muscular body, one with the caption, “Today [a journalist] wanted to see the dad bod. Haha. I am wondering if I should show the picture…body-shaming is always wrong! What do you think?”
In another photo, Diesel lifts his shirt to reveal ribbed abs. “The pic from yesterday…For those who wanted the show…For all the angels that love dad bod regardless,” he wrote alongside the post.
Diesel is currently promoting his latest film, The Last Witch Hunter, also starringElijah Wood, Rose Leslie and Olafur Darri Olafsson. The fantasy action flick hits theaters Friday, Oct. 23.
