Harry Potter actress Jessie Cave opens up about fat-shaming she experienced on set

Jessie Cave, best known for portraying Lavender Brown in the Harry Potter film series, has spoken candidly about the body-shaming

Jessie Cave, best known for portraying Lavender Brown in the Harry Potter film series, has spoken candidly about the body-shaming and hurtful treatment she says she experienced while working on the hugely successful franchise.

Cave was just 20 years old when she joined the Harry Potter cast, playing Lavender Brown, the Hogwarts student who develops a romantic relationship with Ron Weasley. Although her character became memorable among fans, Cave has revealed that her experience behind the scenes was far less comfortable, particularly when it came to comments about her appearance and weight.

Speaking on the podcast, the actress recalled an upsetting encounter with a costume designer who allegedly criticized her body. According to Cave, the designer grabbed the flesh around her hips and questioned her about it. The actress said the grip was so forceful that it caused her physical pain.

Cave recalled responding simply, saying, “That’s my body,” as she tried to deal with the uncomfortable situation.

She also described another painful moment that occurred while filming a scene in the Great Hall at Hogwarts. Cave said that someone involved in the production whispered instructions for her to make herself appear slimmer, telling her to “suck in.” The comment reportedly left her so upset that she immediately began crying.

According to Cave, her emotional reaction was ultimately visible in the finished film. She explained that the camera initially showed her from behind, but as it moved toward her face, viewers could see tears in her eyes.

The actress also reflected on returning to the franchise after gaining around two stone, or approximately 28 pounds. Cave said she felt that the way she was treated changed dramatically after her weight increased. She recalled initially being welcomed as an exciting romantic interest before later feeling almost invisible when she returned for the final installment.

Cave believes her appearance played a major role in the difference in treatment, saying she felt that her weight was the reason she was no longer given the same attention.

Those experiences have continued to influence how Cave views the entertainment industry, particularly when it comes to children working in major productions. She has expressed concerns about HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter television reboot and said she would not want her own children to endure the kind of scrutiny she experienced.

The actress is now a mother of four and has spoken openly about the challenges she faced after her acting opportunities became less frequent. Following repeated rejection from acting roles, she explored other creative and online work, including launching an OnlyFans account centered on non-sexual hair-fetish content.

Cave’s recent comments have renewed discussions about the pressures young actors can face in the entertainment industry, particularly regarding body image. Her experience highlights how seemingly casual remarks about appearance can leave lasting emotional scars, even years after a project has ended.