A plus-size influencer has sparked major controversy and divided opinions after claiming she was body-shamed during a recent trip to Disney World. Gracie Bon, 28, took to social media to share the emotional toll she endured while spending a day at the famous theme park with her siblings. What should have been a fun-filled outing turned sour, according to Gracie, as she found herself the target of unwanted stares, laughter, and even people taking photos of her without her consent.
Gracie, who is known for promoting body positivity and encouraging people to embrace their natural shapes and sizes, explained how the day quickly became upsetting. She questioned whether she was imagining things at first but came to the conclusion that many people simply weren’t used to seeing women her size enjoying themselves at a place like Disneyland. “Is it just me, or are people really not used to seeing big girls like me at Disneyland?” she asked in a video posted to her followers. Gracie shared that from the moment she entered the park, she felt the intense gaze of other visitors. In an effort to reclaim control over the situation, she turned her camera on those who were staring at her.
What shocked Gracie most was that this experience happened in America, a country where, as she pointed out, nearly 40 percent of the population is considered plus-size. She said she expected more acceptance and less judgment, especially in a country where larger body types are not uncommon. This isn’t the first time Gracie has said she faced such treatment at Disney theme parks. In a previous post, she opened up about similar experiences of people staring at her and taking unsolicited photos. “I was body-shamed on my trip to Disneyland,” she wrote. “People wouldn’t stop staring at my curvy body, but that’s what makes me unique. It’s time to stop the body-shaming. We all have different shapes and sizes, and that’s what makes each of us special.” In one of her TikTok videos, Gracie can be seen visibly upset as she draws unwanted attention from other park guests. In the caption, she expressed frustration at the behavior of those around her. “It’s time to stop body-shaming people,” she urged. “Today I was at Disneyland trying to enjoy a day with my siblings, but our fun was ruined by all the people mocking my body size. The worst part is they were teaching their kids to do the same thing.”
@thebishgossip Woman who went to #Disney ♬ original sound – TheBishGossip
Gracie continued by highlighting how relentless the negative attention was throughout the day. “They kept taking pictures of me, staring at me with disgusted looks, or flat-out laughing at me,” she shared. Anticipating criticism, Gracie responded directly to people who might blame her for her own experience. “I know some of you think I’m exaggerating or that it’s my fault because I’m a big girl,” she said. “But this is the body God gave me, and I’m going to cherish every part of myself. Even if you’re sick or look different, no one deserves to be bullied for how they look.” She ended her post with a strong message about respect. “I would never say something negative about someone else’s body,” she said. “Respect is key. This should be a safe space where everyone feels comfortable. I wasn’t doing anything wrong—I was just existing. At the end of the day, I just want to have fun like everyone else. If you don’t like something about me, stop hating and keep it to yourself.”
Gracie’s post sparked a divided reaction online. While some people sympathized with her experience, others were less compassionate. One commenter wrote, “You weren’t born this way, so don’t complain about being body-shamed. You did this to yourself.” Another added, “God didn’t give you that weight. Don’t drag God into this. Your doctor gave you that.” Still, Gracie found plenty of support from her followers. One person encouraged her by saying, “Don’t worry about it. You’re beautiful the way God made you! People are just jealous because you’re stunning!” Another supporter commented, “I’m so sorry people can be this cruel and judgmental. They have no right to judge you. You’re beautiful just as you are.” Yet another person offered a different perspective, stating, “You can’t totally blame people. It’s really hard not to look. When humans see something unfamiliar for the first time, we stare. It’s just a natural reaction.”
This isn’t the first time Gracie has found herself at the center of a public debate. Previously, she fired back at online trolls who told her to “buy two seats” after she called on airlines to offer wider seats for plus-size passengers. She dismissed the suggestion, saying, “Buying two airplane seats doesn’t solve my problem. Planes are just too small for adults. It’s 2024, bodies are changing, and planes should too.” Gracie stood by her message and added, “I’m not going to lose weight just to be able to fly on a plane. People should offer me another solution or make planes bigger.” Despite the backlash she sometimes faces, Gracie continues to advocate for body positivity and inclusion, encouraging people to respect others regardless of size and to create spaces where everyone feels welcome and valued.
