Jameela Jamil opens up on facts, feminism and freedom.
When the American activist, John Lewis, spoke about getting yourself into “good trouble” – the kind of trouble that creates change – he may well have been talking about Jameela Jamil. The ultimate multi-hyphenate, she has gone from teacher to presenter, podcaster, actor and, most famously, activist – all while speaking out fearlessly on body positivity, mental health and women’s rights. Now, she is set to star in a range of films, from People We Meet on Vacation to PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie, both scheduled for release in 2026.
FACT caught up with Jameela Jamil at the premiere of The Six Billion Dollar Man, a documentary exploring the story of Julian Assange and the fight for freedom of information. Dressed in all black, she was charming and confident, cracking jokes about herself. When asked what she was wearing, she replied deadpan: “I just didn’t want to look like an idiot at an important event”.
From London to Los Angeles
Jameela was born in London into a British South Asian family and had a challenging childhood. At the age of 17, she was hit by a car and told she might never walk again. Although she recovered physically, her relationship with her body shifted dramatically, and she developed anorexia. At the time, she was working as a teacher when a chance encounter changed the course of her life: she was approached by a television producer in a bar, and asked if she would consider auditioning for a TV show.
What followed was a stint on one of Britain’s most popular youth music programmes, T4 on Channel 4. Jameela became a familiar face on British television and radio, later making history as the first solo female presenter of BBC Radio 1’s Chart Show. It wasn’t until she moved to the United States, however, that her career reached a new level. She went on to star in the comedy series The Good Place, followed by roles in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law and Pitch Perfect: Bumper in Berlin.
Hitting (back at) the headlines
In 2018, Jameela created her own body positivity movement, I Weigh, in response to the Kardashians sharing their weight online. Since then, she has been outspoken in her criticism of the media, from diversity to Photoshop.
“The public distrusts the media,” she shares. “The media recognises they have to do a better job at winning back our trust and move with integrity, because they are participating in and complicit in destroying future generations. The blood is on all of their hands.”
“I don’t believe we should just look at headlines and feel as though we have the entire story. It’s terrifying that we don’t know who is funding our publications. There are more billionaires than ever who own our media.”
Taking on tech
Jameela has experienced being shadow-banned on Instagram after speaking out on topics ranging from diet culture to her support for Palestine. In response, she began combining the silly with the serious – posting thirst-trap photos alongside political commentary to expose how the platform’s algorithm works. The experience ultimately led her to launch her own Substack, A Low Desire to Please.
“It is becoming increasingly oppressive,” she sighs. “We see huge tech platforms shadow-banning people who speak out about Palestine or against austerity. I find it petrifying that the right to protest is disintegrating in front of our very eyes.”
“We need to wake up and do the due diligence while it’s still possible. AI is taking over our search engines, and our search engines are being funded by people who can control the information. We can’t just wait for someone to come and set us all free. If we all make the effort together, in smaller ways, we sacrifice less – and we gain more, faster.”
From feminism to freedom
While Jameela first spoke out, she was driven by feminism, but now her activism has widened into something broader: a fight for freedom, truth and autonomy in an ever-changing world. What keeps her going? “I’m obsessed with freedom. I’m obsessed with the truth," she states.
“We have to do something to maintain this last shred of freedom that’s left, because soon it will be gone”. She reveals: “I’m old enough to remember a time when we at least felt we had some control and autonomy, and that is dissipating in front of my eyes. I have absolutely no idea what the world will look like in the next 18 months to two years. I’ve never felt that way in my entire 40 years on this planet.”
Jameela has 3.9 million Instagram followers and counting, and many young people – especially women – look up to her. What are her words of wisdom? “Speaking up isn’t without its setbacks or sacrifices. I’ve lost things from being outspoken, but I’ve gained far more. I can sleep at night. I have friends I trust and respect. You meet people with integrity by moving with integrity, and ultimately, I believe you win in the end. I was told constantly that because I’m outspoken, controversial and political, I’d lose everything. And yet, I’m still here, 20 years later – mouthing off,” she laughs.
Jameela Jamil: funny, focused and fearless.
GO: Follow @jameelajamil on Instagram for more information.