Ashley Benson reveals being told she was 'too fat' made her 'stronger'

PrettyLittle Liars star Ashley Benson is being honest when it comes todiscussing the unrealistic beauty standards set forth in Hollywood. The26-year-old opened up to Ocean Drive magazine’s January issue about the pressure to be thin in the industry.

“I was just told I was too fat for apart,” the size two actress revealed. While the starlet admitted that she criedfor “30 minutes” after being told she was not skinny enough, she said, “Youhave to let it roll off your shoulders or it could cause a serious eatingdisorder.”

Ashley continued, “A lot of people in this industry hear they need to lose weight more times than they should. It does make you stronger, though. Because if you let that affect you, you can’t be in this industry—you’d go crazy.”

Photo: Randall Slavin

TheFreeform star also wants her fans to know that she is far from perfect. She confessed that seeinga photoshopped photo ofherself disappoints her. She explained, “I hate to think that girls are like,‘She’s so skinny! Her skin is so perfect!’ I have pimples just like they do.”

Sincebeing in show business since she was 14 years old, Ashley has managed to avoidthe troublesome path many other young stars have fallen victim to. “Idefinitely see why some people can go a little nuts. Being successful at such ayoung age and I feel I never got to that level,” she said. “[It] is very difficultbecause you’re being told yes a thousand times more than you’re being told no.You’re making a lot of money, there are a lot of temptations, and there are noconsequences no matter what you’re doing.”

WhileAshley has steered clear of the party scene, she admitted that she does haveher fun — though you’ll never see her having a “bad girl” momentin public! “I wouldnever want to do anything that would sabotage my career,” the actress said.“I’d rather have dinner and drinks at someone’s house than go batsh-t crazy inpublic. It’s not my scene.”

The TVstar’s hit show, Pretty Little Liars returns to Freeform, née ABC Family, this month. Regardingthe upcoming season, she revealed her character, “Hanna has graduatedcol­lege and has moved on. She’s in a new relationship and is engaged. She’svery confident in who she is. She works in fashion now and is the most successfulout of all of the girls.”

Ashley added, “There’s going to be twistsand turns in her new relationship, and Caleb’s going to be there. He’s verymuch a part of her life. Fans are going to be surprised at how everything hasturned out, but I think it will be a fun journey for them.”

PrettyLittle Liars returns January 12 at 8 p.m. ET onFreeform.