Sheryl Lee Ralph Clapped Back at Mean Comments About Her Feet—and Her Message Is Powerful

Sheryl Lee Ralph is embracing her body instead of hiding it, but that didn’t stop trolls from coming for her anyway. This week, the Abbott Elementary star appeared on The Jennifer Hudson Show, looking stunning in a white long-sleeve blouse, a tie, a matching pencil skirt with bold color patterns, and clear open-toe heels.

Instead of focusing on her overall look, some people online fixated on a toe that appears to be smaller than the others. Because it was visible in her shoes, several users decided to make mean comments about it.

Writing below a viral X post about Sheryl’s look, one person said, “That is terrible looking.” Another added, “yeah naw a nice mule heel woulda ate.”

I know people can be unkind because for a long time, I carried shame about my one foot. I hid it. I questioned it. I let it make me feel smaller than I was. But now, I choose gratitude instead. I am thankful for this foot, for all five of its funny little toes. They are mine.…

— sheryl lee ralph (@thesherylralph) January 14, 2026

But Sheryl wasn’t letting the criticism get to her, responding instead with honesty and grace. She shared her perspective on the situation through a heartfelt statement that resonated with fans across social media.

I know people can be unkind because for a long time, I carried shame about my one foot, she explained. I hid it. I questioned it. I let it make me feel smaller than I was. But now, I choose gratitude instead.

I am thankful for this foot, for all five of its funny little toes, Ralph continued. They are mine. They belong to my body and my story.

She went on to describe the journey her body has taken her on through her long career. This foot has carried me through miles of living, loving, enduring, and becoming, she said.

It has stood firm when I was unsure, she added. It has moved me forward when standing still would have been easier. There is nothing to be ashamed of in what has held me up.

She concluded her powerful message with a note on self-love. I honor it. I honor myself. And I walk on, lighter, knowing that what is true about me has always been worthy of being seen.

People loved her response and flooded the comments to share their support. One person tweeted, “Ain’t nothing wrong with your feet Sheryl! You look great and you’re inspirational to many!”

“You looked absolutely fabulous on the @JHudShow,” another echoed. Tons of others agreed that Sheryl looked great and praised her for turning a moment of negativity into one of empowerment.

Ralph has been incredibly busy lately, enjoying a massive career resurgence that many have called the Ralph-aissance. She continues to star as the beloved Barbara Howard on the hit ABC mockumentary Abbott Elementary, which recently moved into its fifth season.

Her performance in the series has already earned her a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. This win made her only the second Black woman to win in that category, following Jackée Harry in 1987.

In addition to her television success, Ralph recently celebrated a major milestone in April 2025. She was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a ceremony attended by her co-star Quinta Brunson and longtime friend Loretta Devine.

On the big screen, she recently starred in the comedy The Fabulous Four. In that film, she appeared alongside Hollywood legends Bette Midler, Susan Sarandon, and Megan Mullally as a group of lifelong friends who travel to be bridesmaids at a surprise wedding.

She also made a significant impact at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival with her role in the independent drama Ricky. Directed by Rashad Frett, the film follows an ex-offender attempting to navigate life after prison, with Ralph delivering a powerful supporting performance.

Voice acting remains a part of her repertoire as well, as she lends her voice to the PBS Kids animated series Weather Hunters. Created by Al Roker, the show focuses on STEM education and features Ralph as the character Ms. Joyce.

Behind the scenes, Ralph remains a dedicated activist through her DIVA Foundation. The organization recently celebrated its 35th anniversary, continuing its mission to raise awareness for HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening health issues.

Her personal life has seen both celebration and reflection recently as she prepares to renew her vows with her husband, Pennsylvania State Senator Vincent Hughes. The couple is marking 20 years of marriage, much of which has been successfully managed long-distance.

However, the past year also brought personal sorrow for the actress. In late 2025, she shared the news of the passing of her brother, Stanley, a man who dedicated his life to teaching and whom she credited as an inspiration for her work on Abbott Elementary.

Through the highs and lows, Ralph remains a fixture of Hollywood grace. Whether she is winning awards or standing up to internet trolls, she continues to lead with the same confidence she encourages in others.

Tell us what you think of Sheryl’s empowering response to the critics in the comments.