Plus-sized influencer Gracie Bon has sparked debate after sharing that she experienced body-shaming during her visit to Disneyland.
Gracie Bon is a Panamanian model and social media influencer celebrated for her curvy figure and promoting body positivity.
With over 6 million Instagram followers, she has garnered significant attention for embracing her natural curves and advocating for self-love.
Gracie has openly shared her personal journey, including a significant weight loss, and often addresses issues like body-shaming and rumors of cosmetic surgery. Recently, however, she found herself at the center of online controversy after alleging she faced body-shaming at a Disney theme park.
Reactions to the video were divided. Some commenters showed little sympathy, with one stating, “You weren’t born like this, so don’t complain about body-shaming.” Another remarked, “God didn’t give you thatโyour doctor did.”
On the other hand, many rallied to support Gracie. One person commented, “You are beautiful just as God made you! People are just jealous.” Another wrote, “I’m sorry people are so unkind. You are beautiful.”
Bon has previously addressed rumors about undergoing surgery after fans speculated she had a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL).
The Panamanian model recently took to Instagram to respond to the claims, firmly denying the accusations and stating that her figure is “what God gave me.”
Bon expressed her frustration with the relentless scrutiny of her body. While some fans have shown support, others have speculated that her curves are the result of cosmetic surgery.
To address this, Bon shared side-by-side photos highlighting her transformation after significant weight loss, having previously weighed 21 stone.
One photo showed her in a tan bikini from before her weight loss, while a more recent shot displayed her in purple lingerie.
She wrote: โWHAT GOD GAVE ME. You can clearly see in the first picture how my โnaturalโ body looked, and GUESS WHATโin that time, I was also stared at and body-shamed for looking different and dressing differently.โ
The model continued by stating that, despite being a plus-size woman, she has the right to wear whatever she likes. She added, โSorry, Iโm not ashamed of my curves anymore, and I wonโt hate my body just because you do.โ
She also took aim at her critics, saying, โSome of you normalize hating on girls for no reason, just for being themselves. And by the way, the thighs match.โ
Despite receiving overwhelming support from her followers, with over 238,000 likes on her post, some continued to question whether she had undergone surgery.
One user commented, โAre you sure itโs not BBL? Show old pics,โ while another added, โNobody hates your body. They hate that youโre trying to act like you didnโt alter it and then seek sympathy.โ
Bon had previously stated in January that she has never undergone facial surgery. However, she has not publicly addressed whether she has had any other cosmetic procedures, despite rumors surrounding breast implants, lip injections, fillers, and Botox.
Bon was also at the center of an online controversy after expressing that planes “should have bigger seats.”
In a recent social media post, Bon shared the challenges she faces as a plus-sized woman when flying, particularly with fastening her seatbelt.
Bon remarked, โSo today I had a flight, and even though I was flying in first class, I couldnโt fit on the airplane. So this is a petition for all airlines, so big girls like me can fly. Itโs not my fault I have an a*** this big. Please just make the seats bigger.โ
In her postโs caption, she pleaded, โCan someone give me an ACTUAL solution,โ followed by a weeping emoji.
Despite the numerous comments on her post, reactions have been mixed.
One commenter harshly suggested, โBuy two seats instead of one; clearly, youโve got plenty of money to afford them.โ
Another pointed out, โEasy to say, but if they make the seats bigger, there will be fewer seats and higher prices. Then youโll complain again, saying they should make it cheaper.โ
A third user remarked, โYour choice, your problem.โ
Fortunately, Bon also received support from many commenters who offered encouraging messages.
One supporter commented, โThatโs so unfair,โ while another added, โOmg, I wish I had those problems,โ followed by a peach emoji.
Another person shared, โMy butt isnโt even as big as hers, but I still need half of the other seatโฆ my hips spill over onto the person next to meโฆ Seats are just too small.โ
Now, it’s a trip to Disneyland that has brought Bon back into the spotlight.
While spending the day at the park with her siblings, she revealed that her experience was marred by the actions of other visitors who stared, laughed, and even took photos of her.
In a video, she opened up about how her curvy figure attracted unwanted attention, with many people staring and taking pictures.
โI was body-shamed during my trip to Disneyland โ people wouldnโt stop staring at my curvy body, but itโs what makes me unique,โ she wrote. โItโs time to stop body shaming. Weโre all different shapes and sizes, and thatโs what makes us special.โ
In the post, Bon shared her frustration over the rude behavior she faced and urged her followers to stop body-shaming others.
โI wanted to have fun with my siblings, but our day was ruined by people making fun of my body. The worst part is that theyโre teaching their kids to do the same.โ
She went on to recount the unpleasant encounters throughout the day: โThey kept taking photos of me, giving me dirty looks, or just laughing.โ
Addressing potential criticism, Bon added: โI know some may think Iโm exaggerating or blame me for being a big girl, but this is literally what God gave me, and I have to embrace every part of it. Even if you have a condition or look different, you shouldnโt be bullied for it.โ
The influencer concluded her message by emphasizing the importance of respect: โI would never criticize someoneโs appearance. Respect is key. Everyone should feel comfortable, and I was just existing. If you donโt like something, stop hating and keep it to yourself.โ