Forever 21 Catches Heat Over Free Diet Bars Included With Orders

The fast-fashion retailer apologized for the "oversight" and has pulled the Atkins bar.

July 23, 2019
Forever 21
Image via Getty/Michael Brochstein/SOPA Images/LightRocket
Getty

Forever 21 is facing accusations of fat-shaming after it reportedly sent snack-size diet bars to its customers.

Over the weekend, several Twitter users blasted the fast-fashion retailer for including a free Atkins lemon bar with online purchases. Several people called the move "tone deaf" and "dangerous," as it could potentially trigger customers who suffer from self-image issues and/or eating disorders.

Related News

The bars, which contain 13 grams of protein and 3 grams of carbs, are advertised as a "delicious bar packed with protein and fiber to satisfy your hunger." Atkins is credited for popularizing the low-carb diet craze in the early 2000s—a diet that many medical experts have deemed unhealthy.

Some accused Forever 21 of only sending the bars to customers who had purchased plus-sized items; however, the company insists the samples were included in all orders. The retailer has also apologized for the "oversight" and confirmed it will no longer include the diet bars with online orders.

Forever 21 wrote in a statement to Jezebel: