Forever 21 is facing accusations of fat-shaming after it reportedly sent snack-size diet bars to its customers.
Over the weekend, several Twitter users blasted the fast-fashion retailer for including a free Atkins lemon bar with online purchases. Several people called the move "tone deaf" and "dangerous," as it could potentially trigger customers who suffer from self-image issues and/or eating disorders.
From time to time, Forever 21 surprises our customers with free test products from third parties in their e-commerce orders. The freebie items in question were included in all online orders, across all sizes and categories, for a limited time and have since been removed. This was an oversight on our part and we sincerely apologize for any offense this may have caused to our customers, as this was not our intention in any way.
The bars, which contain 13 grams of protein and 3 grams of carbs, are advertised as a "delicious bar packed with protein and fiber to satisfy your hunger." Atkins is credited for popularizing the low-carb diet craze in the early 2000s—a diet that many medical experts have deemed unhealthy.
Some accused Forever 21 of only sending the bars to customers who had purchased plus-sized items; however, the company insists the samples were included in all orders. The retailer has also apologized for the "oversight" and confirmed it will no longer include the diet bars with online orders.
Forever 21 wrote in a statement to Jezebel:
