Gareth: ‘Fat-shaming’ reports an attempt to create controversy

Gareth Cliff has responded to reports of “fat-shaming” women earlier this week after sharing a meme on Instagram written: “In one day, Trump got more fat women out walking than Michelle Obama did in 8 years.”

Cliff said the “fat-shaming” reports were just an attempt to create controversy. “It’s just another form of paid Twitter,” he said. Cliff’s main problem about the reporting is the exaggeration suggesting that his meme caused a stir on social, when it only had a few comments, most of which came after the reports.

“There was no social media frenzy. There was a news media frenzy among once-respected publications, who are dredging the bottom of the barrel for stories,” he said.

He further defended himself, saying he only shared a meme that was created by American Senator Jack Sandlin of Indianapolis and was meant to be funny.

“If it isn’t funny to you, then that’s all – it isn’t funny to you. Keep scrolling. Trolling social media comments and posing as the internet police is the laziest form of journalism possible.

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“If you’re going to call things a frenzy, and they’re really not, you’re lying to your readers. The actual post on Instagram got a mere 500 likes and 90 comments [the vast majority of which came after your frenzy] and only four or five of which were critical.

“The rest [including numerous comments from self-proclaimed fat women] found it hilarious. So not even the smallest minority of direct responses [not even counting the ones who don’t care or are sick of made-up outrage] agree with these media publications,” he said.