Gracie Bon, a Panamanian model and social media influencer, recently shared her upsetting experience of facing being body shamed while visiting Disneyland Paris. Known for her curvy figure and vibrant online presence, Gracie documented her day at the theme park, which she claims was ruined by unwanted attention and rude remarks. In a viral Instagram video, she expressed her frustration over being judged for her natural body and called for kindness and acceptance.
A Day Meant for Fun Turns Sour
Gracie’s visit to Disneyland Paris was intended to be a joyful day with family. The 27-year-old model, known for embracing her body positivity, was excited to capture her Disneyland experience on film. But according to her, the day quickly soured as she noticed other guests staring, laughing, and pointing. “I wanted to have fun like everyone else,” Gracie said, but the unsolicited attention left her feeling self-conscious and uncomfortable. Despite Disneyland’s reputation as a family-friendly place, Gracie found herself the subject of unwanted scrutiny.
Criticized for “Simply Existing” in Her Body
Gracie explained that much of the criticism she faced seemed rooted in her unique body shape. She wore a fitted black top and beige pants, a choice she felt was modest and appropriate for the park’s setting. However, her curves drew reactions from onlookers, which Gracie described as demeaning. “I was simply existing with what God literally gave me,” she shared, emphasizing that her intention was never to stand out, but simply to enjoy the theme park like anyone else.
Disney’s Dress Code: A Source of Debate
Disney theme parks have long had a dress code, though interpretations and expectations can vary. While guests are generally expected to wear family-friendly attire, dress codes do not typically account for body shape or size. Gracie’s experience at Disneyland has reignited discussions about Disney’s policies, particularly when it comes to judging individuals based on their appearance. Gracie believes that body-shaming incidents could be minimized if people focused more on their own experiences rather than others’ appearances.
Facing Hurtful Stares and Comments from Other Guests
The unwanted attention Gracie experienced was not limited to subtle glances. She described groups of people openly pointing, whispering, and laughing, even taking photos of her without permission. For Gracie, the most disturbing aspect was witnessing parents modeling this behavior in front of their children. “The worst part is that they teach their kids to do the same,” she commented, explaining that this kind of body-shaming sets a negative example for young people. Her story sheds light on how public spaces can be uncomfortable for individuals who don’t fit societal standards.
A Call for Body Positivity and Acceptance
In response to her experience, Gracie has taken to her platform to promote body positivity and acceptance. She shared that she would “never talk negatively about another person’s appearance” and encouraged others to embrace a similar mindset. Gracie’s message aligns with her overall advocacy for self-love and respect for others, regardless of physical appearance. “If you don’t like something, stop hating and keep it to yourself,” she said, hoping that her message will inspire others to be kinder and less judgmental.
Social Media Reactions to Gracie Being Body Shamed
Gracie’s Instagram post quickly went viral, sparking a wave of supportive comments and empathy from followers. Many users expressed outrage over the treatment she received, while others shared similar experiences of being judged in public places. Fans rallied around her, with one commenter saying, “You deserve to enjoy your day without people making you feel uncomfortable.” Her story has become a conversation starter, challenging people to rethink how they perceive and treat others in shared spaces.
Being Body Shamed in Family-Friendly Spaces: A Growing Issue?
Gracie’s experience at Disneyland highlights a broader issue that others may face at theme parks, beaches, and public venues. While Disney emphasizes inclusivity, incidents like this raise questions about the true culture within its parks. Family-friendly spaces should foster an environment of respect, but Gracie’s account reveals that biases and judgments can still impact visitors. As theme parks strive for inclusivity, Gracie’s story suggests there may be more work to be done in promoting an environment free of body shaming.
Gracie’s Message of Resilience and Confidence
Despite the being body shamed, Gracie remains committed to promoting confidence and resilience. Her post ended with a reminder that everyone deserves to enjoy themselves without fear of criticism. She encouraged others to live their lives fully, irrespective of others’ opinions, sharing, “At the end of the day, I just wanted to have fun.” Gracie’s message resonates with those who believe in living unapologetically and serves as a reminder that kindness and acceptance should be the standard, not the exception.