TikTok bans ‘skinny’ lifestyle influencer over controversial content

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


Pop Culture & Art September 17, 2024
-Instagram@livsschmidt

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.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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."

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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.

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