British model Iskra Lawrence has uploaded an apology video on social media after advertising cellulite cream. The 32-year-old fitness enthusiast and internet celebrity - well-known for her curvy physique - took to Instagram last night to tell her 5.4 million followers how "sorry" she is, adding that she 'no longer can be their role model'.
In the caption of the video, the Worcestershire-born star wrote: "I’m sorry. I will not profit from my mistake, [money] will be donated to National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)."
It comes as Iskra just a day earlier posted a video of herself seemingly promoting a cream that can 'treat' cellulite. She added: "There will be a longer apology video on YouTube. In the mean time, I cannot be your role model - no one but you should be your role model because you already have everything you need inside of you to build your sense of self worth.
"For those who have leaned on me I tried, I really did try. The pressure to never mess up is a lot and living so much of my life online and actually me relying on you as a community so much means when I F up it breaks me.
"And I need to figure out moving forward how to nurture a safe space again and I will do whatever it takes - thank you for those still here and still reading this To all the creators here who maybe don’t speak up, or take risks because they’re scared of messing up it’s one of the most humbling experiences that allows you to learn from your community and helps you grow."
She continued: "It’s also a reminder that people hold you to a certain standard because they care, if they didn’t they wouldn’t be disappointed in you or your decisions - I’m always hear to support and thank you to all my friends who checked in on me today."
In the "ad" post earlier this week, Iskra spoke highly of beauty brand Peter Thomas Roth's FIRMx Tight & Toned Cellulite Treatment. At the time, she said: "I’m answering your number one most asked question from my DMs… is there something you use for your Cellulite???
"Ad | Meet @peterthomasrothofficial FIRMx Tight & Toned Cellulite Treatment. It is clinically proven to reduce the look of cellulite in
just two weeks, I’m one week in and can already see and feel results."
She added: "And you know me I’m all about body acceptance but I also do the most when it comes to looking after my body and skin. I noticed I lost firmness postpartum which is perfectly fine but also why not try something to help?"
However, it would appear that her post garnered backlash from many fans. One follower, Coachmaria_g, replied: "Wow how truly disappointing. I’ve followed you for so long because of how you stood up to the fashion and beauty industry and inspired confidence and self love at any size. But to be promoting these type of scam products that have no scientific evidence of working at all.
"The only way to deal with cellulite is to reduce body fat percentage and even then majority of women are still gonna have it. Not that you care to lose a follower, but I'm unfollowing because I can’t support celebrities who sell out to make a quick buck and promote s****y products that prey on women’s insecurities. Truly disheartening and disappointing."
Joannajkenny said: "This is the epitome of toxic beauty standards. Cellulite products don’t work. End of conversation." Fullerbustinspo typed: "Using the word ‘’solution’’ in your stories implies there’s a problem to be solved with cellulite, which contradicts your messaging that cellulite is very much normal."
The body positive babe, who lives in Miami, Florida, regularly showcases her natural beauty. In a post earlier this year, Iskra uploaded several bikini selfies as she soaked up some sun.
In the Instagram snaps, she put the natural texture of her skin on display and celebrated her cellulite. “CelluLIT. Bring on summer 23," she wrote at the time.
The images garnered more than 132,000 likes and dozens of positive comments – and many appreciate Iskra for keeping things real. Ianthemauro replied: "Every slide is brilliant. Thank you for representing gorgeous realness." Jessi added: "Thank you for all your positive posts."
