Top Irish blogger Joanne Larby has faced a huge backlash after announcing her latest ambassador role.
The Dublin influencer has become the face of teatox brand Miss Fit Life (Miss Fit Skinny Tea) – with readers hitting out at her for “selling out”.
The gym lover and healthy eating advocate has been sharing her weight loss and fitness journey with her readers for years, and some have taken the news badly that she is reprsenting a supplement brand.
Announcing the news to her followers Joanne said she was delighted to join Miss Fit Skinny Tea, saying: “It’s time to change the perception surrounding typical weight loss teas and make supplements sexy.”
But fans started hitting out at the blogger quickly, with one writing: “very disappointed, you sold out – you worked hard yourself to get where you are, NOBODY gets that from some tea or suppliment! Unfollowing!”
“After this stunt, I’m considering pressing the unfollow button on all social media accounts!” another user wrote.
“Of course your going to promote this new fad, because your seeing an increase in your bank balance every week now… completely unneccesary!!! I hope your other “secret projects” that you have lined up for 2016 are not as silly!!!”
But speaking to Goss.ie Joanne said she won’t be promoting the brand as the only way to lose weight – but instead using it as a helping hand.
“I just posted on snap that in no other career would you be berated for a promotion or new role,” she said.
“Most people would simply say congrats. There’s a huge pressure to reply to every negative comment in order to educate people on a piece I’ve already written that they won’t read.
“Over the years I’ve focused on loyalty and helping others, this position is no different
I’m an advocate of a healthy and happy lifestyle and this is simply and addition to that.
“A tea or supplement cannot achieve the results diet and fitness can however this brand contains only natural ingredients, no laxatives, boosts energy, reduces bloating and huger and aids digestion,” she explained.
Speaking out: Joanne has defended her latest campaign
“Put simply it’s an optional addition to an existing healthy lifestyle
The brand are expanding with their product range which is very exciting. Everything we release will be about balance and positivity, to empower women and make them feel good from the inside out.
“The fact the brand has just launched in the UK market is exciting and to be the ambassador for the UK is a dream come true,” she added.
Joanne also posted a blog post on her own site explaining why she joined the brand, read it HERE.
