Fenty Beauty Faces Outrage Over Ad "Glamorizing" Obesity

Rihanna's Fenty Beauty has always "highlighted the importance of inclusive marketing," but not everyone is okay with the brand's recent "glamorization" of obesity.

This week, the makeup brand shared a photo on Instagram featuring a plus-sized model wearing a golden bikini while holding a Fenty Beauty lip gloss. Given how obesity has been shown to increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and metabolic syndrome, many felt the need to condemn the image. "Promoting obesity is not it," wrote @Jay_elle_j in the comment section, “Healthy bodies, whatever the shape. This is clearly not healthy.”

"Unfollow. Promoting unhealthy bodies is not the way to go," added @ariele19.

"Telling a dangerously overweight person not to lose weight because they're 'beautiful' is like telling an alcoholic not to stop drinking because they're fun," said @chloeee_g_.

@sabrinastyled argued the ad isn't "promoting obesity" but is promoting makeup. "Fenty has ALWAYS shown a diverse variety of humans. All three of these campaign shots represent what different people look like. It's not 'promoting obesity'. They're promoting makeup. And *gasp* people who aren't thin ALSO wear makeup. We should be shown just like anyone else."

Even still, the image focuses greatly on the model's body and not the tiny lip gloss spotted in the corner. "Obesity is not something that is healthy or should be advertised. But this is about makeup and posting the picture was always going to spark a reaction about the model," explained @sweetlifeofstephj. "You don't use drug addicts or alcoholics for models so that's the point people are making. Obesity is a disease but if you say anything about it people say we're not embracing all body shapes. I don't embrace a body that isn't cared for. Nothing about being overweight is positive!"

While I think that everyone – regardless of their size – deserves respect, I do find it hypocritical that an extremely underweight model would be barred from advertisements. In addition, I think that telling overweight individuals to accept their weight or unhealthy eating habits will only do more harm in the long run. “I believe it is more cruel to encourage people to remain overweight,” cultural critic Jamie Hanshaw told Evie in 2023. “It's pretty sadistic when you think about it; telling someone they look good when they don't is gaslighting them, and by keeping them unattractive, they remain no threat in a competition for mates. Who is the real ‘mean girl’ – the girl who gently offers correction and tells the overweight girl she can be better and helps her achieve her goals, or the envious insecure girl who says ‘you're beautiful at any size’?”

Many ads today receive the same backlash that's been cited in this article by concerned women. Is it possible we're witnessing the end of the glamorization of obesity and entering a more health-conscious era? Indeed, the greatest act of self-love is making conscious decisions that elevate our mind, body, and soul – even if that's easier said than done. “Outward beauty does not always equal virtue, but a person who looks nice and healthy has demonstrated at least a modicum of self-discipline and a good stewardship of a physical body,” Hanshaw said. “Our appearance, clothes, hair, and makeup are an extension of our artistic creativity and an attempt to restore dignity to ourselves and the human race. Health and wellness start with the mind, heart, then body.” 

Evie deserves to be heard. Support our cause and help women reclaim their femininity by subscribing today.