'American Pie' star Tara Reid hits back at trolls mocking her appearance 15 years after hit film

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: "American Pie" star Tara Reid has responded to online trolls mocking her appearance, saying that although "no one else does," she feels comfortable with how she looks.

Reid, 48, who gained popularity for playing Vicky Lathum in the popular comedy franchise, addressed how she developed "thicker skin" in response to criticism of her appearance.

Tara Reid slams harsh trolls over her recent appearance

The Hollywood actress—who starred in several popular films including 'Cruel Intentions,' 'Van Wilder,' 'The Big Lebowski,' and 'Josie and the Pussycats'—was one of the "it" girls of the famous '90s–'00s era.

Reid celebrated her big Hollywood break at age 22 in true early-20s actor fashion.

Her roles made her one of the most recognizable sex symbols of her era, with intense scrutiny from both the public and the media.

But scrutiny breeds controversy, and Reid began to make news for all the wrong reasons. Her entertainment career started to decline as she became the host of a reality TV show called 'Taradise' on E!.

Reid made headlines for her wild partying and drastic transformation of her looks. Now, she has the self-assurance to address the criticism of her appearance for the first time.

After appearing on the military-themed television program 'Special Forces,' she told People magazine, "Everyone says, ‘She got so old looking, she looks bad, she looks like s**t.’ And just this s**t that goes on social media."

Reid referred to herself as a "broken bird" and said her main goal in joining 'Special Forces,' the equivalent of the UK's Celebrity 'SAS: Who Dares Wins,' is to develop "thicker skin," per The Mirror.

"I feel fine in my body. It’s just no one else does," Reid added.

In October 2023, Reid's friend, American radio host Billy Bush, alerted her that she was "too skinny." According to 'Special Forces' showrunner Becky Clarke, Reid is now seen as a survivor rather than a fallen celebrity from the '00s.

"We’ve all got scars, haven’t we? We’ve all suffered the highs and the lows. And that’s what Tara represents. I think people — and particularly women of a certain age — tuned in wanting to find out about her and connect. Because she’s real," Clarke said at the time.

Clarke added, "She came not to just prove to people that there was more to her than the tabloid tale. She came for herself."

Tara Reid raised concerns over health in 2023

Tara Reid sparked concerns about her health in 2023 by sharing a photo of herself at the Vegan Fashion Show.

"Has the most amazing time @veganfashionweek thanks so much for having me again in your front row, so happy to see my friend @derekwarburton," she captioned the post.

However, her swollen face was what made her admirers wonder about her well-being. Someone remarked, "She looks sick."

"She doesn’t even resemble the girl we used to know," said a second person.

However, some supported the actress by saying, "You look fabulous ignore the negativity." A user, in the meantime, said, "Please don’t read these comments - people are horrible creatures. Live your best life and be as happy as you can be."

Her appearance also raised concerns in a video from an event the previous year. "Still looks great but something is wrong," remarked one observer.

In the video, Reid falters and leans on her friend for support. Another fan advised the 'American Pie' star to surround herself with supportive and kind people, noting that she did not seem well.

They said, "A person from the other part of the world is writing to you to say - you do not look well! This is not a healthy look and whoever says it is - they are mad. Surround yourself with people who care about you, so you can be at a better place." [sic]

"Wishing you nothing but the best & hope you're doing okay!" added another.

Tara Reid instantly gained popularity among teenage boys and girls in the '90s

Teenage boys and girls instantly idolized the Hollywood actress after the release of the first 'American Pie' movie in 1999.

However, Reid became addicted to alcohol, and over time, her appearance became increasingly skinny, raising concerns about her safety.

She checked herself into treatment in 2008 for alcohol issues, telling People magazine that she had "done enough [partying] for a lifetime."

However, as she mentioned in an interview with Bustle that "the ‘90s are coming back right now," it seems she is enjoying a bit of a comeback in popular culture.

In her heyday, Reid was featured on the cover of US Weekly for an article titled 'My Plastic Surgery Nightmare,' which described the failed cosmetic procedures she had.

It was only the beginning of the media's assault on her appearance, as individuals kept pointing fingers and criticizing her appearance.

Her inclusion in the Fox reality quasi-military training series 'Special Forces' was significant because, thanks to the support from her fans, her past issues became less relevant.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.