Influencer under fire for ‘tone deaf’ post in supermarket
Instagram influencer Skye Wheatley is facing backlash for sharing a photo of empty supermarket shelves to promote a prize giveaway.
The former “Big Brother” star shared information about a contest where entrants could win £10,000 ($11,700) She paired the entry details alongside three photos of herself and her son posing in bare aisles.
A post shared by 𝒮𝓀𝓎𝑒 𝑀𝒶𝓇𝑒𝑒 𝒲𝒽𝑒𝒶𝓉𝓁𝑒𝓎🦄🌈⚡️ (@skye.wheatley) on Mar 22, 2020 at 2:08am PDT
Stores across the globe are having a difficult time staying stocked with necessities as panic and bulk shopping have become more popular during the coronavirus pandemic.
Commenters spoke out about Wheatley’s post, calling it “tone-deaf,” “tacky” and “insensitive.”
“Competition aside, the photo is just completely unnecessary and hurtful.” Instagram user house_of_hitchos wrote. “When I see these empty shelves, it breaks my heart to think of a world that once was, one that will return but one that will now be a very uncertain place for our children to grow up in … There is no kindness in poking fun at such heartache.”
Others defended Wheatley, thanking her for providing a “distraction” and defending the fact she is promoting an opportunity for her followers to win money, not selling something.
“Isn’t this a GIVEAWAY which people who lost their jobs could definitely use right now,” Instagram user jasmine_rodz wrote. “This post does not affect your life in a negative way so you need to get over yourselves!”
Wheatley’s post has since been updated in response to the backlash. She did not remove the information about the giveaway, but instead added a note at the top of her post.
“Please be kind to one another, please send love not hate,” Wheatley wrote in the new caption. “Please focus on the positives and be aware of the negatives but shift your energy to the light, not the darkness.”
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