Kim Kardashian deletes Instagram post about appetite suppressing lollipops following intense backlash
It must be hard being the ringleader of the world's most famous family. Kim Kardashian may have made her fame through the reality TV show Keeping Up With The Kardashians, but she's done so much since then. The 37-year-old has a number of business ventures to her name as well as three adorable kids with the unpredictable force that is Kanye West.
She's also used her influence to aid several different causes over the years. But even though she's donated generously to children's hospitals and natural disaster relief charities, it seems that the star doesn't always make the best decisions. The Kardashian-Jenners have often been criticised for their extravagant lifestyles and their perfectly manicured looks, but this time, you've got to admit that Kim really does deserve to be scolded.
As a role model to many young women all around the world, a recent Instagram post of Kim's has caused quite the controversy for the message it sends. Kim posted a selfie earlier this week sucking on a red lollipop, with a caption that revealed she was endorsing a weight loss product made to suppress your appetite.
"#ad You guys… @flattummyco just dropped a new product," Kim wrote in the caption. "They're Appetite Suppressant Lollipops and they're literally unreal. They're giving the first 500 people on their website 15 percent OFF so if you want to get your hands on some… you need to do it quick! #suckit."
The post sparked a wave of angry responses, with many people pointing out that Kim was sending out an unhealthy message about body-image and how to lose weight. She was already criticised by experts last week for promoting a pre-Met Gala detox, but the lollipop is a step too far.
People noted that the star has a "duty of care" not to promote messages that are harmful to her audience, who are "impressionable" and often insecure "teenagers on Instagram". "What kind of message is this sending to girls, boys, men AND women out there who suffer daily with their crippling self image?" one person wrote on Instagram.
Even The Good Place actor, Jameela Jamil, took the time to point out how irresponsible it was of Kim, writing a scathing comment on Twitter.
"No. F*ck off. No. You terrible and toxic influence on young girls. I admire their mother's branding capabilities, she is an exploitative but innovative genius, however this family makes me feel actual despair over what women are reduced to."
"MAYBE don't take appetite suppressors and eat enough to fuel your BRAIN and work hard and be successful," she went on. "And to play with your kids. And to have fun with your friends. And to have something to say about your life at the end, other than 'I had a flat stomach.'"
The intense backlash and scrutiny for the post caused Kim to take down and archive the post. However, she's since allowed it to reappear to her grid. It's clear that she realised it wasn't a good idea to post something like that, but for whatever reason – decided to keep it up there anyway.
C'mon Kim, surely you're swimming in enough dosh at the moment to be able to say 'no' to a few dubious endorsements here and there, right?