Gracie Bon, a plus-size model with almost 17 million followers across her social media platforms, has faced heavy criticism for posing among the rubble and ruins caused by an earthquake in her native Panama.
The 29-year-old from Panama City shared a series of snaps standing in the ruins, wearing blue jeans and a white shirt that showed off her stomach. Further images showed her crouching to examine the remains of a property and assessing the damage with her hands on her hips.
Earthquake devastation
A devastating earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 struck the Central American nation on Friday (October 9), with more than 300 aftershocks recorded since — one of which on Monday had a magnitude of 6.1. While no deaths have been reported, a national state of emergency was declared due to the significant damage to Panama's infrastructure.
In a sombre Instagram post, Bon wrote: "The reality of my country. After the earthquake, we're reminded that material things can be replaced, but life is priceless." She continued: "Hug your loved ones a little tighter, be grateful for what you have, live in the moment, and show up for those who need it most. Stay strong, Panamá. We got this, we'll get through it together."
Backlash and defence
Critics responded in the comments, with one Instagram user asking in Spanish: "Seriously? Was it really necessary to pose?" Another pondered: "Imagine how empty you can be if you use this moment for interaction." A third fumed: "How do I make this about me! What a need to go out posing in the middle of a disaster."
A fourth wrote sarcastically: "Let me find a good spot for the next photo... unbelievable. Just for looking for likes." A fifth said: "I don't believe she actually asked someone to take pictures of her in front of someone's destroyed house."
Defending Bon, one fan commented: "Thanks. We need more influencers who take things to the right place." Another concurred: "There's a big difference between documenting a tragedy to raise awareness and using the site as a backdrop for a photograph. It's not about judging your intentions, but about understanding that behind those ruins lie pain, loss, and the stories of people who deserve respect and empathy."
Influencer's response
Bon later returned to Instagram to hit out: "There are people who get more outraged by a photo than by seeing families lose everything. Sometimes the problem is not what we do, but the eyes with which you decide to see it. Let's help Panama."
