Gracie Bon claimed that she wanted to help those affected by the recent earthquake in Panama, but many online criticized her actions. The influencer faced backlash for appearing to turn a serious disaster into an opportunity for more attention on her Instagram, where she has 11.9 million followers. People questioned why she needed to make herself the focus when raising awareness about the disaster.
After a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake caused significant damage and destroyed hundreds of homes, Gracie Bon posted pictures of herself in front of the wreckage. Dressed in blue jeans and a white crop top, she posed amid the destruction. In her caption, she mentioned the reality of her country after the earthquake and emphasized the value of life over material possessions. She encouraged gratitude and support for those in need.
Many voices on social media expressed their anger, stating that her actions were inappropriate. One commenter questioned the need for her to pose for pictures, while another criticized her for taking photos in front of someone else’s damaged home. Others suggested that she could have sent her message without being in the image.
In response to the criticism, Gracie Bon later explained that she included herself in the photos to reach more people and encourage donations. She argued that her presence in the images would help spread the message more effectively. She insisted that her intention was to show the true state of Panama and help those affected by the disaster.
Gracie also addressed her critics, asking if her absence from the photos would have made a difference and urged them to think about how they could contribute to the cause. She mentioned that she was donating to recovery efforts in her country. Earlier, she had shared videos of herself shopping for supplies like water bottles and rice to give to the victims.
She was also seen visiting affected areas and delivering supplies, highlighting the difference between those who were safe and those who had lost nearly everything. Gracie pointed out that even small donations could mean a lot to someone in need. In her posts, she provided information about where people could drop off essentials like food and hygiene items for donation.
Gracie concluded by stating that while people might forget her photo, the families impacted by the earthquake would continue to need support. The earthquake resulted in 27 injuries and nearly 900 homes damaged. What are your thoughts on her approach?
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Source: Bored Panda, by Rocio Corsi