Demi Lovato Addressed Backlash Over Calling Out A Froyo Shop For Potentially Promoting Toxic Diet Culture
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Update, 4/20/20: Demi Lovato doubled down on her decision to call out an LA-based froyo shop on Monday. In another Instagram story, she wrote her message had been "misconstrued":
When I messaged this froyo place, originally I wanted to make a point, and I wanted to call out behaviors or branding things that didn't sit right with me. As someone who deals with an eating disorder and is in recovery from an eating disorder, I still to this day have a hard time walking into a froyo shop, ordering yogurt and being content with it and keeping it down.
She noted it wasn't clear to her that certain offerings were "for specific health needs."
She continued: "Because it wasn't clear, I definitely jumped to conclusions and probably shouldn't have gone about this the way that I have, but I'm willing to talk to this froyo shop to help get the messaging right."
You can read more about Demi's response over at PEOPLE.
Original post, 4/19/20: Demi Lovato took to her Instagram stories yesterday to call out potentially harmful packaging and branding that promotes toxic diet culture. The singer-songwriter was visiting a Los Angeles-based frozen yogurt shop called The Bigg Chill when she saw sugar-free and "guilt-free" labels which she said can be triggering for individuals who struggle with disordered eating.
In a now-expired Instagram story, Demi wrote "Finding it extremely hard to order froyo from @TheBiggChillOfficial when you have to walk past tons of sugar free cookies/other diet foods before you get to the counter. Do better please. #DietCultureVultures."
Of course, sugar-free and other similar products are often available for individuals with certain dietary needs due to things like diabetes or celiac disease, and not just for those that are dieting for other reasons. Demi went on to clarify that labeling products as being celiac-, diabetes-, or vegan-friendly would make a more welcoming customer experience for everyone. She posted a screenshot of a final message to the brand saying: "You aren't wrong for catering to many different needs but it's about not excluding one demographic to cater to others."
Following her Instagram stories, she faced backlash for her comments regarding her experience at The Bigg Chill—some people said it was unfair for her to attack the company for offering options for people with allergies and other dietary needs. Others stood by her and said that due to her personal experience she is the only one that can determine what is triggering to her or not.
Demi opened up about her history of eating disorders to Ashley Graham on a podcast in early 2020. She spoke of her experience with bulimia, disordered eating, and exercise addiction.
The Bigg Chill did not immediately respond to Delish's request for comment.
If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, call 1-(800)-931-2237 or visit NEDA.
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