Demi Lovato has become a body-positivity “champion” in recent years, and for good reason. The 24-year-old is a strong role model.
Since announcing her struggles with eating disorders and mental health issues, she’s been renowned for her candor and message.
So what’s the issue?
Lovato is a spokeswoman for the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), and as a noted ED survivor herself, she fits the bill.
Fans were shocked, however, after the singer posted a photo promoting “detox tea” and a vexing message on her vaunted Instagram.
“This year is all about #selflove truly taking care of myself and exercising has changed everything for me,” she captioned the picture.
“@teamiblends has #sponsored my 30 day detox challenge to help get rid of toxins and my bloating for summer,” adds Demi.
“I’m on Day 7 right now and it’s so easy!”
“I just drink their tea every single day in my favorite purple tumbler. I love taking it to shoots and the studio with me.”
“If you are ready to be your best YOU this summer, use my Code: DEMI for 20% off your detox program when you check out!”
“I want all of you to do the challenge!”
The issue, if it wasn’t abundantly clear, is that “detox teas” are 1. fairly unhealthy and 2. usually touted as weight-loss products.
In fairness, Lovato didn’t outright promote the tea for weight loss purposes, but the implication is such that fans were unhappy.
Many believe that even such teas can be triggers for people with eating disorders, as they are often misused as laxatives or purgers.
Moreover, the health community is divided on such drinks in general as it is believed that they can cause a myriad of problems.
Needless to say, Lovato was quickly taken to task for irresponsible promotion by many of her 57 million Instagram followers.
“How has detox tea something to do with self love and eating disorerrecovery?” @heidirecovering wrote in the comments.
“Self love is about accepting oneself, not detoxing. I used to look up to you, but this is the lowest point ever.”
Fans called her out for pushing such a thing on people who view her as a role model thanks to her own struggles with bulimia.
@thebalanced.babe wrote, “I love you Demi, but please.”
“Ask yourself why would you advertise something so damaging to people struggling with EDs, disordered eating, and more.”
“Impressionable young people to look up to you.”
Others were less harsh, but still un-enthralled.
“Please take this post down Demi, a laxative will NOT make me the best me,” urged another Lovatic, @selenamyqueef.
The guise of “self-love” was what really left her army of followers steamed, and @chooselifewarrior, for one, took her to TASK on Snapchat:
Look, obviously Demi is a very well-meaning girl.
She’s built up a lot of credibility at this point, being open and honest about her body image issues and self-esteem struggles for years.
Those Demi Lovato swimsuit pics she’s been flaunting lately are jaw-dropping, as is the incredible confidence level she’s shown.
There isn’t anything wrong with wanting to change one’s body, or sharing your experiences with others who follow you on social media.
Using questionable products to do so, however?
Especially products potentially harmful for people with eating disorders – many of whom look up to Demi for exactly that reason?
The star and NEDA have yet to comment, but we expect some kind of response soon, given the current backlash against this plug.