Sarah Michelle Gellar walked back a comment she made about “overeating” in an Instagram post on Monday, after many followers found her attempt at humor offensive and some considered it fat-shaming.
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In caption to a photo of herself in black lingerie, the Buffy the Vampire Slayer star wrote, “I’m just going to pin these up all over my house as a reminder not to overeat on Thursday #thanksgivingprep.” The words, which were intended as lighthearted, were considered to advocate for an outdated body ideal that could potentially trigger those with eating disorders.
“This sends a really sad and distorted message about body image to your many followers,” veggieheartbeet wrote.
Another user, who goes by mccluskymichelle wrote, “You have a platform to promote healthy body image and lifestyle. Please be aware of how your posts can be interpreted and how they can influence young women who look up to you.”
Some insinuated that Gellar was too thin in the photo, and she should think about the dangerous “thinspo” she could be promoting. On the other hand, criticizing Geller’s thin frame could also be seen as a form of body shaming.
“Sarah should use these pics to remind herself to have a second slice of pumpkin pie,” beantowncolleen wrote. “She looks “Hollywood starved” in these pics and it’s not attractive at all. Curves are beautiful…and healthy.”
Despite the negative reaction to the post, there were those that didn’t take any offense at Gellar’s words and responded with encouragement. Some even clapped back at those who were offended.
“So, one can post up a picture of their dream vacation destination as a reminder to save money,” another user replied, “but a woman can’t put up pictures of herself feeling her absolute best as a reminder to not overdo it?!?”
Gellar responded to criticism in a statement: “It’s come to my attention that some people think I was ‘fat shaming’ with this post. That could not be further from my intentions. I love Thanksgiving and unfortunately my eyes are often bigger than my stomach, and I tend to eat so much I make myself sick. This was a joking reminder to myself not to do that.
“I’m terribly sorry that people were offended by my attempt at humor,” she added, according to the Independent. “Anyone that knows me, knows I would never intentionally ‘shame’ anyone on any basis. I am a champion of all people.”
H/T the Independent