The chief executive of the online apparel brand Snag has disclosed to the BBC that the company receives upwards of 100 daily complaints asserting that the models featured in their advertisements are “excessively overweight.” Brigitte Read, the founder, articulated that her brand—spanning sizes 4 to 38—employs models who frequently become the subjects of vitriolic commentary regarding their physiques. This controversy emerged within a broader societal discourse following a recent incident involving a Next advertisement that was deemed unsuitable for portraying an “unhealthily thin” model.
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) reported receiving a total of 61 complaints concerning models’ weight in 2024; however, the overwhelming majority pertained to appearances of models perceived as underweight. Notably, in this climate, there were no investigations initiated against Snag.
Catherine Thom, an Edinburgh resident, expressed her disbelief at the apparent double standard where advertisements featuring underweight models are outright banned for fostering socially irresponsible ideals, while those showcasing models who are categorically obese are celebrated in the name of body positivity. Thom criticized the relentless bombardment of “morbidly obese” imagery perpetuated by Snag on social media, questioning the fairness of such portrayals when juxtaposed with the restrictive policies against thin representations.
In response to this contention, Read vehemently argued that ostracizing individuals based on their weight does not facilitate healthier lifestyles; rather, it detrimentally affects their mental health. She contends that individuals of all body types are equally valid and deserve representation, advocating for a societal shift towards acceptance and inclusivity.
Vocabulary List:
- Vitriolic /ˌvɪt.riˈɒl.ɪk/ (adjective): Filled with bitter criticism or malice.
- Controversy /ˌkɒn.trəˈvɜː.si/ (noun): A prolonged public disagreement or heated discussion.
- Ostracizing /ˈɒs.trə.sʌɪz/ (verb): Excluding someone from a society or group.
- Perceived /pəˈsiːvd/ (verb): Regarded or understood in a particular way.
- Excessively /ɪkˈsɛs.ɪv.li/ (adverb): To an excessive degree; overly.
- Inclusivity /ɪn.kˌluː.sɪˈvɪ.ti/ (noun): The quality of including all sections of society.
How much do you know?
How many daily complaints does the online apparel brand Snag receive regarding the weight of their models?
What sizes does the apparel brand Snag cater to?
How many complaints did the Advertising Standards Authority receive in 2024 regarding models' weight?
What was the focus of the majority of complaints received by the ASA regarding models?
Who criticized the portrayal of
According to Brigitte Read, what does ostracizing individuals based on their weight negatively impact?
The founder of Snag, Brigitte Read, supports the portrayal of underweight models in advertisements.
There were investigations initiated against Snag based on complaints received by the ASA in 2024.
Catherine Thom questioned the fairness of the portrayal of obese models compared to thin ones.
Brigitte Read advocates for societal acceptance and inclusivity regardless of body type.
Brigitte Read believes that focusing on individuals' weight leads to healthier lifestyles.
The controversy surrounding Snag emerged after an incident involving a different apparel brand.
The Advertising Standards Authority received a total of complaints concerning models' weight in 2024.
Brigitte Read argued that ostracizing individuals based on weight detrimentally affects their health.
According to Catherine Thom, there is a double standard in the treatment of advertisements featuring models.
Brigitte Read advocates for a societal shift towards and inclusivity.
The founder of Snag, Brigitte Read, highlighted the importance of representing individuals of all body types as equally .
