TikTok bans ‘skinny’ lifestyle influencer over controversial content

Influencer Liv Schmidt defends TikTok content promoting a ‘skinny’ lifestyle following backlash and account suspension

Influencer Liv Schmidt, known for promoting a “skinny” lifestyle, has hit back at TikTok after her account was banned for breaching the platform's policies. 

Schmidt, who has faced backlash for months, gained attention by posting "what I eat in a day" videos, showcasing tiny portions of food. Critics argue that her content encourages unhealthy behaviors and promotes eating disorders, as she emphasizes the importance of staying skinny while consuming very little food.

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Liv Schmidt (@livsschmidt)

Schmidt, however, insists she is simply advocating for a healthy lifestyle. After her TikTok account was disabled, she created a new one, but it was also removed within days. Her new bio read: “It’s not a sin to want to be thin. Saving America from obesity 1 person @ a time.”

Accused of 'rage baiting'—a tactic where influencers deliberately provoke their audience for engagement—Schmidt recently ranted about diet culture in the U.S., questioning why "being American feels like a secret shame."

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Liv Schmidt (@livsschmidt)

In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Schmidt defended her content, stating, “For me and my personal aesthetic, I like to be skinny and there’s nothing wrong with that.” 

She denies ever struggling with disordered eating but admitted to grappling with anxiety from a young age, which led to challenges around eating.

Schmidt maintains her videos are a valuable resource for working women seeking meal inspiration.