Jazz Jennings, star of “I Am Jazz,” faces her biggest challenges yet this season. But the 21-year-old reality TV star seems determined to overcome those obstacles despite feeling “broken,” as she shared on a recent episode.
Learn about Jazz’s struggles below. And discover why the “I Am Jazz” star has sparked toxic family rumors as well.
Why Jazz Jennings Feels ‘Broken’ On ‘I Am Jazz’
At 21, Jazz Jennings has come a long way since “I Am Jazz” premiered in 2015. The then-teenager and her family raised awareness of how she felt as a transgender female. Born male, Jazz has lived as a girl since her kindergarten days. And during the years since then, “I Am Jazz” has shown her parents Jeanette and Greg doing all they can to support their daughter.
But this season shows that Jazz can’t seem to overcome a new challenge: A 100-pound weight gain. Describing her body as feeling “like a cage,” the reality TV star feels “broken” after that significant gain. Surprisingly, Jazz’s grandmother Jacky rather than either of her parents seems to have stepped up to show the most support.
Jacky listened with empathy as Jazz described her feelings. “My spirit has been shattered a little bit by all that I’ve been through,” said her granddaughter. In a separate confessional, Jacky told the cameras about her heartbreak for Jazz. Viewing the 21-year-old “explode in the eating department is very, very difficult,” noted Jacky.
‘I Am Jazz’ Spoilers: Jazz’s Family Spark Toxic Rumors?!
Despite the support from her grandmother, Jazz has shared insights about her family that sparked rumors they seemed toxic. For instance, in a previous confession to the cameras, Jazz talked about her family’s reaction to her binge eating episodes. Her mother supervised Jazz’s food intake but that made her feel worse, notes the Sun.
“I do experience fat-shaming from my family,” admitted Jazz. “It makes me feel really humiliated.” And although the reality TV star will soon head to Harvard University, her mother fears that Jazz won’t care for herself appropriately on her own. But does her mom’s desire to control Jazz’s eating and exercise help or hurt?
On Twitter, “I Am Jazz” viewers criticized the 21-year-old’s family for allegedly behaving in a “toxic” way. One Twitter user blamed Jazz’s parents for putting her in the spotlight. And that commentator focused in particular on the way that they respond to her weighty challenges.
It is but, this HAS to be handled differently since Jazz has not known an existence without having an INTENSE (and public) focus on her body ALL the time. Sorry but Jeanette clearly pushed Jazz to have all eyes on her even when Jazz didn’t want to and that plays a role in this.
— Lucretia Walker (@LWalkerSkinner) December 15, 2021
The Twitter “I Am Jazz” critic advised that Jazz’s family respond in a very different way to her binge eating episodes. “This HAS to be handled differently since Jazz has not known an existence without having an INTENSE (and public) focus on her body ALL the time. Sorry but Jeanette clearly pushed Jazz to have all eyes on her even when Jazz didn’t want to and that plays a role in this,” wrote the critic.
Others agreed. “And they keep shaming her,” noted another. “Jazz needs professional help away from TV and family. It’s so sad.”
What do you think about Jazz’s statements that she feels “broken”? Do you believe that her family has behaved in a toxic way? Share your views with us. And then check back on our site for more news about “I Am Jazz.”
[…] grandma Jacky seems more understanding about how her grandaughter feels. Plus, rumors started that things get quite toxic at home. In fact, in a teaser for this week’s show, fans heard Jazz say that the family […]