The Salzburg Festival’s President Dr. Helga Rabl-Stadler has spoken out regarding Kathryn Lewek’s stance against a journalist that used his review to criticize her physique.

The review for Die Welt body-shamed Lewek for her appearance in Barry Kosky’s new production of “Orphée aux Enfers.” The soprano then used her own social media channels to call attention to the review and denounced critics for such behavior.

Rabl-Stadler has done the same in her recent statement.

“Congratulations to Kathryn Lewek, Soprano on her extraordinary artistic achievement as well as on her courage against body-shaming,” she stated per the Festival’s Facebook page. “A rather influential German critic whose appearance I don‘t comment in order not to put myself on the same level has accused Kathryn for being too fat as Eurydice in ’Orphée aux enfers.’ However the director and the audience agreed that she is perfect for this role – comedic, seductive, smart. No wonder that even the supreme head of the Olymp adores her. The fact that she is now defending herself against such unobjective criticism is intended to encourage all women to be sexy and sparkling witty beyond arbitrarily propagated ideal measures.

“Anyone who exposes himself on stage with body and soul becomes vulnerable. Artists need our respect for their performance and no flat talks about their physical conditions.”