Demi Lovato is giving a Los Angeles frozen yogurt shop the cold shoulder over its sugar-free cookies and “diet foods.”
The pop star, who has been public about her battles with eating disorders, launched the bizarre attack on The Big Chill in an Instagram Story over the weekend. Lovato has 102 million followers on the platform.
“Finding it extremely hard to order froyo from [The Bigg Chill] when you have to walk past tons of sugar free cookies/other diet foods before you get to the counter,” Lovato wrote. “Do better please.”
She included the hashtag “#DietCultureVultures.”
Lovato followed up by promising that she will be “calling harmful messaging from brands or conpanies (sic) that prepetuate (sic) a society that not only enables but praises disordered eating.”
The Bigg Chill replied via its own Instagram Stories. “We carry items for Diabetics, Celiac disease, Vegan and of course have many indulgent items as well.”
Lovato later shared a screenshot of a DM from the frozen yogurt shop. “We are not diet vultures. We cater to all of our customers (sic) needs for the past 36 years. We are sorry you found this offensive.”
The singer replied that her experience at the shop was “triggering and awful.” She replied: “You can carry things for other people while also caring for another percentage of your customers who struggle DAILY just to even step foot in your store. You can find a way to provide an inviting environment for all people with different needs. Including eating disorders - one of the deadliest mental illnesses only second to opios (sic) overdoses. Don’t make excuses, just do better.”
Lovato suggested The Bigg Chill improve its messaging. “Being in LA it’s really hard to distinguish diet culture vs health needs.”
Not surprisingly, Lovato didn't find much support on social media.
demi lovato after seeing a diabetic person eating a sugar free cookie pic.twitter.com/dSILtgVoov
— rej (@exiIeswift) April 18, 2021
I was sooo not prepared for a Demi Lovato vs Bigg Chill feud. As someone who has always struggled with/had issues with food, I like that Bigg Chill has so many options for different dietary needs. I love their vegan cookie dough! Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk
— Heather (@HeatherS_VA) April 19, 2021
Demi Lovato when she saw the sugar free cookies
— Bucky Barnes Updates (@MadamClinton) April 18, 2021
pic.twitter.com/7gIYAP1XVs
CALL OUT: Demi Lovato calls out Yogurt shop for sugar free foods. Demi says “Finding it extremely hard to order froyo from The Big Chill when you have to walk past tons of sugar free cookies/other diet foods.” Shop says they carry food for diabetics, celiac disease and vegan. pic.twitter.com/IKDOcBDVro
— Def Noodles (@defnoodles) April 18, 2021
Demi Lovato when she has to walk past "Sugar free/diet food" written anywhere pic.twitter.com/MlTjtnbZgF
— Shoeb™ Mr. Fasting (@cruelrush) April 19, 2021
Demi Lovato has become so ridiculous and dramatic. As someone pre-diabetic like myself along with family members being diabetic, I applaud The Bigg Chill for carrying healthier options.
— Christine B (@peaceandaloha) April 18, 2021
Liberal celebrities are getting on my nerves. https://t.co/k2FYQmwasO
The Bigg Chill Frozen Yogurt #Instagram account has gained 1,000 followers in 10 hours thanks to people supporting them after the weird #DemiLovato shaming.
— Jeff Ehren (@EhrenJeff) April 19, 2021
So...you know, if Demi wants to shame me, I'm cool with that.