Martha Stewart Shut Down People Who Say She ‘Jumped the Line’ to Get the COVID-19 Vaccine

Martha Stewart posted an Instagram on January 12 of herself receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. The footage has garnered more than 600,000 views, and some of her followers are accusing her of “jumping the line” to get the vaccine early. 

“Why did you get the vaccine before frontline workers have gotten it?” one social media user asked. Another person wrote, “Strange, I am a teacher but cannot get vaccinated yet.” In response to commenters, she wrote in her caption, “To allay your concerns that I jumped the line, know that I am in the approved age group for this batch of vaccines, and I waited in line with others.”

She began her post with, “I was vaccinated today in a designated vaccine pod near the Martha Stewart Center for Living at Mount Sinai Downtown. I am so proud of and grateful to the doctors, nurses, and medical staff who are wading through the red tape and confusion of the distribution of these very important vaccines. I am excited to have received my dosage and look forward to the booster.”

Despite the backlash she received, plenty of her followers came to her defense. “Good way to set the example Martha! You’re the best,” one user wrote. Another pointed to Stewart’s age (she’s 79) and wrote, “People, she’s exactly who they are trying to vaccinate right now in NY. Does anyone read the news!?”

New York governor Andrew Cuomo recently approved the vaccination for people in high-risk categories, which includes the elderly. “She probably could have gotten it a few weeks ago with her connections but waited her turn,” one fan pointed out. “Just unfollow her rather than leave nasty comments.” Very solid advice. 

“Here’s to the advancement of science and a heartfelt thanks to those working on the vaccines,” Stewart also wrote in her post. “We are all hoping for an end to this pandemic.” 

Originally Appeared on Glamour