Why Is This Actress’ Thanksgiving Warning Creating Controversy Online?

Actress Sarah Michelle Gellar, who played “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” posted a reminder to herself not to overeat this Thanksgiving.

“I’m just going to pin these up all over my house as a reminder not to overeat on Thursday #thanksgivingprep,” Gellar wrote Monday in an Instagram caption as she posted four images of herself in lingerie.

Nearly 200,000 people liked the post and hundreds commented.

Some, though, didn’t like the post.

“This caption proves once more that diet culture is really everywhere and that so many women have internalized this kind of thinking. It’s really a shame,” one commenter wrote.

“Wow,” said another. “Really shocked that a woman in a position of influence and a mother would post this s—. Is that where you place your value? On the size of your thighs? Or your protruding hip bones? Nothing positive comes from this post. Only narcissism and the bulls— theory that women need to be skinny to be acceptable. You should remove this post. Immediate unfollow from me.”

Said another: “I think she’s great and obviously very beautiful, but the caption was pretty sad and disappointing but that’s just my opinion and I’m pretty sure it was a joke.”

And another: “Don’t make this about eating. That’s weird. Just post your pics and go.”

Others said everyone was being too sensitive.

“Gawd can the overly sensitive snowflakes PLEASE LEAVE SOCIAL MEDIA FOR 2019? I’m surprised they have yet to find the Sun & Moon Sexist or Shaming in some way shape or form. You folks need to start Blocking the Perpetual Victims!” wrote an Instagrammer.

Said another: “you go girl!! And anyone that took that offensive look elsewhere! You are not that type of person!! Love you!”

And another: “Seriously people take a chill pill it was just a joke. … this is a good reminder to not overeat on a regular basis as a positive reminder that your body goals are possible but portion control is key.”

But with all the hubbub, Geller came back on Instagram to apologize.

“It’s come to my attention that some people think I was ‘fat shaming’ with this post,” she wrote in the comments section. “That could not be further from my intentions. I love Thanksgiving and unfortunately my eyes are often bigger than my stomach, and I tend to eat so much I make myself sick. This was a joking reminder to myself not to do that.”

She continued: “I’m terribly sorry that people were offended by my attempt at humor. Any one that knows me, knows I would never intentionally ‘shame’ any one on any basis. I am a champion of all people.”