The focus key phrase “Elle King Says Dad Rob Schneider Sent Her to ‘Fat Camp’ as a Kid” encapsulates a recent revelation that has shed light on the complex and strained relationship between singer Elle King and her father, actor Rob Schneider. This disclosure, made during an upcoming episode of the D**b Bl**de podcast hosted by Bunnie Xo, has sparked discussions about family dynamics, body image, and the impact of celebrity parenting.
Elle King, now 35, is known for her successful music career, particularly her hit song “Ex’s & Oh’s.” However, her recent comments have brought attention to her challenging upbringing and the complicated relationship she shares with her father, comedian and actor Rob Schneider, who is 60 years old. The podcast teaser, which was shared on TikTok on August 10, provides a glimpse into King’s childhood experiences and the ongoing tensions with her father.
One of the most striking revelations from King’s interview is her recollection of being sent to “fat camp” by her father when she was a child. King described herself as having been a “really, really heavy child,” which apparently prompted Schneider to take this controversial action. The singer’s memory of this experience is tinged with negativity, as she recalls getting into trouble one year for not losing weight due to a sprained ankle. King characterizes this approach to her weight as “very toxic and very silly,” highlighting the potential harm such interventions can have on a child’s self-esteem and body image.
The issue of sending children to weight loss camps or programs has been a topic of debate for years. While some argue that these programs can help address childhood obesity and promote healthy lifestyles, critics contend that they can instill harmful attitudes towards body image and potentially lead to long-term psychological issues. King’s experience seems to align with the latter perspective, suggesting that the focus on her weight as a child may have contributed to the strained relationship with her father.
Beyond the “fat camp” revelation, King’s interview paints a picture of a fractured father-daughter relationship marked by long periods of estrangement. She mentions going “four or five years without talking to my dad,” indicating a pattern of disconnection that has persisted into her adult life. This estrangement appears to be rooted in a combination of factors, including disagreements over social issues and what King perceives as a lack of support and involvement from Schneider during her formative years.
King’s criticism of her father extends to his public statements on various social issues. She expresses strong disagreement with Schneider’s alleged opinions on topics such as drag and LGBTQ+ rights. Her forceful statement, “I disagree with a lot of the things that he says,” underscores the ideological divide between father and daughter. This aspect of their relationship highlights how political and social views can create rifts within families, especially when one member is a public figure whose opinions are widely disseminated.
The singer’s upbringing was primarily shaped by her mother, former model London King, and her stepfather, Justin Tesa, in Ohio. This arrangement seems to have resulted from the strained relationship with Schneider during King’s childhood. King’s recollections of her limited time with her father paint a picture of feeling overlooked and undervalued. She describes summers spent on movie sets where she would “just get lost in the shuffle” and face harsh consequences for minor disruptions during filming.
One particularly poignant anecdote shared by King involves her 18th birthday, which she claims her father forgot. This memory, along with her statement that Schneider “forgot about every single birthday,” suggests a pattern of perceived neglect that has contributed to the emotional distance between them. Such experiences can have lasting impacts on a child’s sense of self-worth and their ability to form close relationships in adulthood.
Despite these challenges, King has previously spoken about attempts to reconnect with her father. In a 2018 interview with PEOPLE, she mentioned growing closer to Schneider after leaving a “destructive” marriage and dealing with substance abuse and mental health issues. However, the recent podcast teaser indicates that this reconciliation may have been short-lived or complicated by ongoing issues.
King’s statement that her father “never helped me” is particularly telling, though the context of this help is not entirely clear from the edited clip. Her follow-up comment, “I never wanted his help,” suggests a complex dynamic of both desiring and rejecting paternal support. This ambivalence is not uncommon in strained parent-child relationships, where past hurts can create barriers to accepting assistance, even when it might be needed or beneficial.
The singer’s characterization of her father as “not nice” and having a poor reputation adds another layer to their complicated relationship. King expresses a desire to distance herself from Schneider’s public image, indicating that his actions or statements have had a negative impact on her own life and career.
Throughout the interview, King reflects on her attempts to repair the relationship with her father. She describes trying various approaches, including writing letters, speaking softly, and even yelling, in an effort to bridge the gap between them. However, these attempts seem to have been met with resistance or dismissal from Schneider, further frustrating King’s efforts at reconciliation.
King’s final thoughts in the edited clip touch on the universal struggle of wanting to change someone else’s behavior or feelings. Her realization that “You can’t control anyone else’s actions you can’t control people’s feelings” reflects a mature understanding of the limitations in interpersonal relationships. She acknowledges that the only aspect truly within her control is her own reactions and how she manages her emotions, even when they lead her to “boil up” and “bust her lid.”
This candid discussion of her relationship with Rob Schneider offers a window into the complexities of celebrity family dynamics. It highlights how public figures’ children can struggle with the dual challenges of navigating their own identities while dealing with the shadow of a famous parent. King’s experiences also underscore the lasting impact that childhood experiences, particularly those related to body image and parental approval, can have on an individual’s adult life and relationships.
The revelation about the “fat camp” experience is particularly relevant in today’s context, where discussions about body positivity and the harmful effects of diet culture are increasingly prominent. King’s story adds to the growing body of testimonies from individuals who have experienced negative consequences from early interventions aimed at controlling their weight or appearance.
As this story continues to unfold, it may prompt broader conversations about celebrity parenting, the long-term effects of childhood experiences, and the challenges of reconciling differing values and beliefs within families. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of nurturing positive body image and self-esteem in children, rather than focusing on weight or appearance as measures of worth.
For Elle King, sharing these personal experiences publicly may be a step in her own healing process. By speaking out about her struggles and disagreements with her father, she not only asserts her own identity and values but also potentially offers support to others who may be grappling with similar family dynamics.
As the full podcast episode is released and potentially more details emerge, this story may continue to evolve. It may also prompt responses from Rob Schneider or other family members, adding new dimensions to this complex family narrative. Regardless of how the situation develops, Elle King’s openness about her experiences contributes to important dialogues about family relationships, body image, and the lasting impact of childhood experiences on adult life.