Popstar Demi Lovato took aim at a small frozen yogurt shop for daring to offer sugar-free options to its customers.
In an Instagram story post, Lovato attacked The Bigg Chill Frozen Yogurt shop in Los Angeles, California, for being alleged “diet vultures.” The store is known for its wide variety of low-fat, sugar-free frozen yogurts and treats. Lovato claims it was “triggering” for her to walk past the sugar-free cookies.
“Finding it extremely hard to order froyo from [The Bigg Chill Frozen Yogurt] when you have to walk past tons of sugar free cookies/other diet foods before you get to the counter,” Lovato said. “Do better please. #DietCultureVultures.”
The frozen yogurt vendor responded to Lovato’s story arguing that they are not diet vultures, they are merely serving the needs of customers who prefer sugar-free alternatives. The pop star posted the conversation to her Instagram story.
“We are not diet vultures,” a spokesperson for The Bigg Chill Frozen Yogurt said. “We cater to all of our customers’ needs for the past 36 years. We are sorry you found this offensive.”
In a long-winded response, Lovato argued that the specialty store should provide regular frozen yogurt so as to not harm individuals with eating disorders.
“Not just that. Your service was terrible. So rude. The whole experience was triggering and awful. 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,” Lovato said. “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 [opioid] overdoses. Don’t make excuses, just do better.”
After the frozen yogurt shop refused to respond to Lovato’s comments, she made another suggestion that the company’s foods be labeled to distinguish “diet” foods from “health needs.”
Lovato wrote:
I was thinking, maybe it would help if you made it more clear that the sugar free options and vegan options are for that. Labeling the snacks for celiac or diabetes or vegans. When it’s not super clear, the messaging gets confusing and being in L.A. it’s really hard to distinguish diet culture vs health needs.
I think clearer messaging would be more beneficial for everyone.
You aren’t wrong for catering to many different needs but it’s about not excluding one demographic to cater to others.
According to The Bigg Chill Frozen Yogurt website, the company offers a “daily rotation of “ no-sugar-added Carbolite, fat free, and dairy free varieties, along with an assortment of fresh, low fat baked goods.” The store is one among many in Los Angeles that serve healthy, fad alternatives to high-sugar foods.
Lovato has made headlines in recent weeks following the release of her new YouTube documentary. In an effort to promote her documentary, the pop star went on the Drew Barrymore show where she claimed that she cut her hair short to protest gender and sexuality norms in the Christian South. On the Joe Rogan podcast, Lovato announced that she is now “sexually fluid” and “pansexual,” meaning that she is attracted to “anything, really.”