Jackie Warner Labels Ex Jillian Michaels a “Horrible Person” Amid Biggest Loser Controversy
August 24, 2025
Jackie Warner, a fitness trainer and former star of Bravo’s Work Out, has reignited a public feud with her ex-girlfriend, Jillian Michaels, branding her a “horrible person” in a scathing interview on the Hot Take & Deep Dives podcast aired August 22, 2025. The comments come as Michaels faces scrutiny over her methods on The Biggest Loser, highlighted in Netflix’s new docuseries Fit for TV: The Reality of the Biggest Loser, which alleges dangerous weight-loss practices on the show.
A Personal and Public Takedown
Warner, who dated Michaels for seven years, didn’t hold back in her critique, describing an incident at a “beautiful restaurant” where Michaels allegedly screamed and cursed so loudly in front of Warner and her mother that they were asked to leave. “She’s just a horrible person,” Warner said, recalling Michaels’ volatile behavior. “Jill was ready to punch, ready to spit, ready to curse in a beautiful restaurant surrounded by dressy, classy people.” Warner, 57, added that she nicknamed Michaels the “Tasmanian Devil” for her tendency to get “worked up,” and said the trainer’s “embarrassing” actions ultimately led her to fall “out of love with her completely.”
The resurfaced remarks, spotlighted by outlets like Us Weekly and E! News, have gained traction amid renewed criticism of Michaels’ role on The Biggest Loser. Posts on X from users like @enews and @JustJared amplified Warner’s comments, with @pride_site noting she also shared insights into what Biggest Loser co-star Bob Harper “really thinks” of Michaels.
Context of the Controversy
The Netflix docuseries has thrust Michaels, 51, back into the spotlight, with former contestants alleging she enforced extreme calorie restrictions and ignored medical advice. Michaels has pushed back, sharing Instagram screenshots of correspondence instructing a contestant to consume 1,600 calories daily and emphasizing her “ongoing priority” to ensure contestants were “adequately nourished.”
Warner’s comments add a personal dimension to the professional criticism. Her claims align with sentiments from Biggest Loser co-star Bob Harper, who recently told The Guardian that Michaels never reached out after his 2017 heart attack, despite their long tenure together on the show from 2004 to 2020. Harper noted, “We weren’t besties, but we were partners on a television show for a very long time,” suggesting her silence “spoke volumes.” Michaels responded on the Hot Mics with Billy Bush podcast, expressing shock at Harper’s remarks and insisting she wished him well, while avoiding “catty, b–chy, nasty name-calling.”
A Pattern of Tension
Warner’s public airing of grievances isn’t new—she previously called Michaels “very aggressive” in a resurfaced interview covered by Us Weekly. The fitness guru’s decision to speak out now, however, coincides with heightened scrutiny of Michaels’ methods and persona, amplified by the Netflix docuseries. Warner’s vivid anecdotes, like being asked to leave a restaurant due to Michaels’ behavior, paint a picture of a tumultuous relationship and reinforce perceptions of Michaels as a polarizing figure.
On X, sentiment reflects a mix of support for Warner’s candor and defense of Michaels. @DJo7171 shared a Yahoo link to Warner’s comments, while @ScottGorenstein praised the podcast for spotlighting the feud, suggesting it’s drawing significant attention.
Broader Implications
The clash underscores a broader reckoning in reality TV, where shows like The Biggest Loser are being re-evaluated for their impact on contestants’ health and well-being. Warner’s personal accusations against Michaels add fuel to the narrative that the trainer’s hard-charging style, both on and off the screen, may have crossed ethical lines. While Michaels has denied professional misconduct, Warner’s claims about her character could further damage her public image.
As the fallout from the docuseries continues, the fitness industry and its fans are left grappling with questions about accountability, the cost of fame, and the line between tough coaching and harmful behavior. For now, Warner’s blistering critique ensures that Michaels remains in the “figurative crosshairs,” as both her past and present face intense scrutiny.
Sources: The Hollywood Gossip, The Wall Street Publication, E! News, Us Weekly, Yahoo, Pride Site, JustJared