Chris Cormier Addresses PMMA Controversy After Viral Instagram Post on ‘The Menace Podcast’

Unpacking the PMMA Controversy in Bodybuilding: A Conversation with Chris Cormier

The world of bodybuilding has been abuzz with controversy surrounding the use of PMMA, a muscle filler, among athletes. Recently, a provocative image posted by Chris Cormier on his Instagram account sparked a heated debate. The image featured Cormier in a Godfather-style pose with four-time Olympia Women’s Physique Champion, Sarah Villegas, and a mock bottle of PMMA in the foreground. This stunt was a clear nod to the ongoing discussions about the use of performance-enhancing substances in the sport.

The controversy surrounding PMMA gained momentum after the 2025 Mr. Olympia, Derek Lunsford, denied using the substance, while 2025 Olympia runner-up, Sarah Villegas, made comments that some perceived as hinting at the use of PMMA. On the November 27, 2025, episode of Prime Time Muscle, Chris Cormier expressed his concerns about athletes prioritizing muscle fullness over health, which led to the creation of the provocative image.

Chris Cormier Addresses the PMMA Controversy

In a recent episode of “The Menace Podcast,” host Dennis James pressed Chris Cormier for an explanation behind the image. Cormier emphasized that the post was not intended to target Natalia Coelho, the 2025 Olympia winner, but rather to raise awareness about the dangers of using fillers. “I just want to say first of all, Natalia, to me, was in crazy condition, she had some of the best posing of the contest,” Cormier stated. “She was the winner of the competition. I don’t want to take anything away from that.”

Cormier further explained that his primary concern is the well-being of young bodybuilders who may be tempted to use substances that can cause long-term damage. “It’s really sensitive to me, this whole thing,” Cormier said. “It’s not about what we did in the 90s, it’s about what we walked away from, what we learned. In the 90s, we tried to convey that to the next generation. It’s not about ‘oh, did something, he did something.’ It’s not about that for me, but it’s a sensitive subject because I want to see us go from this journey, our fitness journey, and walk out of this thing unscathed, as much as possible.”

A Call for Responsibility and Awareness

The conversation highlights the need for responsibility and awareness within the bodybuilding community. As Cormier emphasized, the focus should be on promoting healthy and sustainable practices, rather than resorting to shortcuts that can have devastating consequences. By sparking a conversation about the use of PMMA and other performance-enhancing substances, Cormier hopes to encourage athletes to prioritize their health and well-being above all else.

To watch the full conversation and learn more about the current state of bodybuilding, check out the episode of “The Menace Podcast” featuring Chris Cormier. For more information on the PMMA controversy and its implications for the sport, visit Here

Image Credit: www.muscleandfitness.com