Polanski's Hypnotherapy Claim Sparked Male Inquiries for Other Body Parts
Green Party leader Zack Polanski has disclosed that his controversial claim about hypnotherapy potentially increasing breast size led to a flood of emails from men asking if the technique could be applied to enlarge other body parts. The remark, originally made to The Sun newspaper in 2013 before he entered politics, has drawn relentless criticism over the years.
Emails from Men and Women Seeking Similar Results
In a 2019 blog article titled Politics was never part of the plan, Mr Polanski wrote that he received lots of emails from women inquiring about the service, to which he always responded that it was not offered but he was open to discussing positive body image. He noted, however, that he received even more emails from men who wanted to know if the hypnotherapy could work on other body parts. Polanski clarified that his clinic did not provide such services.
He added, I made a mistake which misled people about the work I do with people on body image, and I apologise unreservedly for that.
Ongoing Criticism and Apologies
The Green Party leader has faced persistent backlash for the 2013 comment, which he has since said misrepresented his work as a hypnotherapist. In the same 2019 article, he acknowledged that the journalist did not necessarily do a bad job but felt the focus on body image and self-acceptance was lacking. He described this as a lesson learned.
Speaking to LBC in 2024 while serving as deputy leader of the Greens, Polanski reiterated his apology, stating he apologised immediately the day after the article was published 11 years ago, recognizing it could be offensive. When asked in September 2025 if he believed hypnosis could enlarge breasts at the time, he firmly said No.
Contradictory Evidence from 2013 Interview
Despite his recent denials, a resurfaced BBC Radio Humberside interview from 18 June 2013—just six days after the initial report—shows Mr Polanski doubling down on his theory. He told presenter Peter Levy that there was starting to be anecdotal evidence of breast size growth through hypnotherapy, saying I believe it can happen and referencing a successful project with the journalist. He also mentioned he was not charging for breast enhancement at that time.
The Green Party has been contacted for comment on the matter, highlighting the ongoing scrutiny of Polanski's past statements as he leads the party.
