Facebook apologizes for saying picture of plus-sized model violates 'health and fitness' standards

Last week wasn't a great one for body positivity on the internet. When Australian talk show group Cherchez la Femme attempted to run a Facebook ad promoting its event "Feminism and Fat," the social network refused to display this accompanying image, which features plus-sized model Tess Holliday wearing a bikini:
The event's organizers were notified that their ad violated Facebook's Ad Guidelines for "promoting an idealized physical image," a policy that was originally intended to prevent users from promoting unhealthy standards of appearance. Facebook's Ad Team initially defended itself when producer Jessamy Gleeson contested the ban, explaining that the photo failed to comply with the website's "health and fitness policy" because it depicted "body parts in an undesirable manner.”
"Ads like these are not allowed since they make viewers feel bad about themselves," Facebook wrote, recommending the group replace Holliday's photo with "an image of a relevant activity, such as running or riding a bike."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Facebook has since approved the image and apologized for its reaction in a statement that cites volume of content as a reason for the mistake. "Our team processes millions of advertising images each week, and in some instances we incorrectly prohibit ads," the company said. "We apologize for the error."
"I can see that they were attempting to try to tackle eating disorders," Gleeson told BBC. "But at some point you have to consider that women of different weights exist on Facebook."
For her part, Holliday has spoken out about body shaming in the past and is taking the situation in stride. -Roxie Pell
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Roxie Pell is the social media editor of TheWeek.com. She has previously written for Gothamist, Frommer's, and The Rumpus.
-
Today's political cartoons - March 30, 2025
Cartoons Sunday's cartoons - strawberry fields forever, secret files, and more
By The Week US Published
-
5 hilariously sparse cartoons about further DOGE cuts
Cartoons Artists take on free audits, report cards, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Following the Tea Horse Road in China
The Week Recommends This network of roads and trails served as vital trading routes
By The Week UK Published
-
Tesla Cybertrucks recalled over dislodging panels
Speed Read Almost every Cybertruck in the US has been recalled over a stainless steel panel that could fall off
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Crafting emporium Joann is going out of business
Speed Read The 82-year-old fabric and crafts store will be closing all 800 of its stores
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Trump's China tariffs start after Canada, Mexico pauses
Speed Read The president paused his tariffs on America's closest neighbors after speaking to their leaders, but his import tax on Chinese goods has taken effect
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Chinese AI chatbot's rise slams US tech stocks
Speed Read The sudden popularity of a new AI chatbot from Chinese startup DeepSeek has sent U.S. tech stocks tumbling
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
US port strike averted with tentative labor deal
Speed Read The strike could have shut down major ports from Texas to Maine
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Biden expected to block Japanese bid for US Steel
Speed Read The president is blocking the $14 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel by Japan's Nippon Steel, citing national security concerns
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Judges block $25B Kroger-Albertsons merger
Speed Read The proposed merger between the supermarket giants was stalled when judges overseeing two separate cases blocked the deal
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Rupert Murdoch loses 'Succession' court battle
Speed Read Murdoch wanted to give full control of his empire to son Lachlan, ensuring Fox News' right-wing editorial slant
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published