Fans Are Calling Sienna Gomez To Pull Her Latest Merch Drop, After Accusations It Is “Insensitive” And “Triggering”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CKkewRAlUS2/

TW: eating disorders mentioned throughout.

After taking out titles including “Most Positive, Kindest TikToker and Best Role Model”, for the inaugural TikTok Room Awards, it seems Sienna Gomez has found herself in hot water.

The creator and newest face of Maybelline has recently revealed the designs for her latest merch drop and people are not happy.

While her merchandise designs have traditionally focused on body positivity, using phrases such as “confident is cute” and “everybody is beautiful”, her latest design which reads “did you eat today?”, fans are saying is condescending and insensitive messaging, attempting to monetise and glorify eating disorders.

first we had the depression hoodies and now sienna gomez is making eating disorder hoodies i hate it here

— ur boi (@oatm11lk) February 13, 2021

i think sienna trying to spread postivity and awareness but she’s pushing too hard about this body/weight issue. i kinda feel like its not sincere anymore, she’s just using this to get attention or idk? i just saw her merch and its kinda triggering even for me, i dont get –

— b. (@fuknbraddison) February 13, 2021

Many have also responded saying regardless of intent, that specific question is extremely triggering for people that are suffering from an eating disorder.

Sienna has since responded in the caption of a post on her merch account @confidentiscute, explaining:

“The ‘did you eat today’ question is not meant to make fun of/ glorify EDS/ be harmful or ironic in any way. This question is hoping to encourage/ check in with people if they actually ate. This question is about expressing compassion and care for those who are seriously struggling. Not liking this design (which is okay) is different than misinterpreting the meaning behind it – which we are hoping to clarify now. We created this design with love and positivity in hopes of uplifting others and asking hard questions. We stand behind the true intentions of this 100%.- Sienna

If you or anyone you know is struggling with an ED or any difficulties please contact TEEN LINE. txt “TEEN” to 839863 between 6-9pm pst.”

In a comment on the same post, she further explains she has partnered with Teen Line to raise awareness of National Eating Disorders Week, (commencing February 22nd) and is working to help make resources known to those struggling with eating disorders. She shares that during that week, she will be doing an Instagram live with one of the trained teen counsellors, plus will be donating all the proceeds from the sale of the sweatshirt and sweatpants to Teen Line. In addition, she says to the $25,000 she has already donated.

“I’m grateful for everyone’s feedback about the merch because it’s how we grow. Some of it is tough to hear, but I still stand behind the intent of this line 100%. [If] you hate it, don’t buy it, but let’s all remember to be kind here. We’re all struggling with something.”

Despite her response and seemingly best intentions, fans are not happy with the release and are calling for it to be taken down. While some fans are coming to her defence, the overwhelming reaction has been negative.

Whether the merch sells will be the real decider, however for the time being, it seems Sienna is adamant about the intended messaging and will be keeping it online.

If you, or someone you know if suffering from an eating disorder, visit Teen Line for more resources and information.

confidentiscuteasking others, “did you eat today?” is about expressing compassion and care for people who are struggling. i have people in my life who struggle to eat and who are working so hard to overcome EDs. these are the questions I ask them: did you eat today? how are you doing? do you need anything? i do that because i care, which i think is evident across my platforms. clearly this merch line is sparking conversation about a sensitive issue – so talk about it. have the hard conversation with your friend or relative struggling; tell them you care. for the last few weeks I’ve been talking with Teen Line to raise awareness of National Eating Disorders Week during the week of Feb. 22-28, so people struggling with EDs know where to go for help and resources. i’ll be doing an Instagram live with one of their trained teen counselors during that week and the plan was always to donate all proceeds from the sale of this sweatshirt and sweatpant to @teenlineonline to help them continue to support the many teens who reach out for help – in addition to the $25,000 already donated. i’m grateful for everyone’s feedback about the merch because it’s how we grow. some of it is tough to hear, but i still stand behind the intent of this line 100%. and if you hate it, don’t buy it. but let’s all remember to be kind here. we’re all struggling with something.