Aussie influencer Georgie Stevenson has apologised after copping backlash over a “tone-deaf” post in which she appeared to criticise those “complaining” about soaring petrol prices.
The clip appeared on Stevenson’s social media pages last week. It featured her drinking a coffee with the overlaid caption: “Some people choose to complain about the cost of fuel. Other people chose to build their own success, co-own three companies, and buy a Porsche at 28 years old. I’m other people.”
Followers were quick to to criticise the health and wellness influencer for the post, which came during ongoing concerns around petrol prices and reserves in Australia due to the crisis in the Middle East.
“Some people complain because they literally have to choose between fuel and groceries,” one social media user wrote, while another told Stevenson to “read the room”.
“This is not the flex you think it is,” a third person wrote.
Stevenson addressed the controversy on her Instagram Stories on Monday, saying the post “didn’t align” with her beliefs and explaining that it was shared on her behalf by an “external agency” without her approval.
“Over the weekend, a trial Reel was posted that didn’t align with me and my beliefs. Why did this go out? An external agency I hired to help with content posted a trial Reel that I had not approved. I realise how serious this is, considering it’s my account, my face, and ultimately, my brand,” Stevenson wrote.
“The messaging behind the post completely missed the mark, and it was out of touch and incredibly insensitive. However, catching it was my job, and I failed to do so. I took action to remove it,” she added.
The influencer went on to say the systems and processes behind her content “need refinement” and that she “take[s] full responsibility” for the post.
“I build businesses and create content to support and uplift my community, so I feel so disappointed this was posted on my page. I would never want someone to feel hurt or less than, so I am deeply sorry.
“I’m conscious this might seem like just another apology post from an influencer … but please know that this has been a wake-up call, and something like this will never happen again,” Stevenson said.
The influencer had earlier responded to the backlash in the comment section of a TikTok user criticising her comments, saying people were “right to call me out” and explaining the clip was “posted without my approval”.
In a statement provided to PEDESTRIAN.TV, Stevenson reiterated that the post was shared “without my knowledge or approval” and stressed it was not the kind of “content I would’ve chosen to share, particularly at a time when so many Australians are doing it tough with the cost of living”.
Stevenson also revealed she had parted ways with the external content creator, who is “also deeply sorry for posting this”.
“I’ve just come back from maternity leave and wanted help with my personal brand content so my time with my family wasn’t jeopardised,” Stevenson explained.
“I’m genuinely sorry to anyone who was hurt or offended by it. That was never my intention and it does not reflect who I am or how I feel about the real challenges people are facing right now.”
It comes as the price of fuel hit an average of above $2 per litre across the country, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urging people not to panic-buy petrol and stressing Australia’s stable supply.
Lead images: Instagram
The post Influencer Georgie Stevenson Responds To Backlash Over ‘Tone-Deaf’ Post About Petrol Prices appeared first on PEDESTRIAN.TV .
