‘Pumping Iron’ Director Once Claimed Arnold Schwarzenegger Was Ridiculed by People for Being an Outsider: “Point at Him and Make Disgusting Comments”

Arnold Schwarzenegger has been a prominent face in bodybuilding for years. His huge muscle-bound body was enough for one to start admiring him. Despite retiring from the sport, the muscle man never failed to hit the headlines. His overall personality and expertise in everything he does are what made him fans’ favorite. 

Nevertheless, criticism and reproval are something that no superstar can escape. In the same vein, Arnold was also looked down upon during the making of the megahit film, Pumping Iron.

Arnold Schwarzenegger was not accepted by everyone

The movie turned out to be iconic, given the elements director George Butler added and the way he presented them. They released it in the year 1977, following which the film gained popularity all across the world. In fact, it helped the sport become famous and grow in terms of recognition.

Mr. Olympia champion Arnold Schwarzenegger joined hands with the director and starred in the movie. However, the public treated him like an outsider. Every reporter Butler brought to the gym gave a weird look to the Austrian-born. Furthermore, he revealed that many even passed awful comments on him.

“We would walk down the street,” the director said, “and Arnold was stared at rudely. People would point at him and make disgusting comments. He was never discouraged by it.”

Considering Arnold’s love and dedication to bodybuilding, a few stares could never sway him. He instead acted as if he didn’t know what was going on. 

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At that time, Butler was a growing young producer-director and was new in the arena. Nevertheless, he could sense the smell of success even before the documentary was released. 

Arnold’s switch to vegan

Back in 2019, The Terminator once disclosed his diet and showed the contents of his fridge. The bodybuilder is more inclined toward green vegetables now and said, “I feel much better after eating more greens.”

“Now I eat more, you know, like oatmeal, and greens, and vegetables, and healthy foods,” the muscle-builder said. “Stay away more from the meats and more from animal products and animal proteins, because there was this misconception that’s the only way you get big and strong, so now I backed off.”

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Although Arnold’s arms might not be as powerful as it was, they are way stronger than anybody of his age. Even now, the bodybuilder follows a proper diet and maintains his overall body.