Maria Kang received intense criticism over a controversial photo. In the photo, Kang poses in a sports bra and shorts with her three young sons. The criticism is not about the photo’s content, but the words at the top: “What’s Your Excuse?”
As the mother of three children under the age of five, Kang is proud of her physique. She said the photo was meant to inspire other women to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Despite her intentions, critics say the photo is a painful example of fat shaming .
Bombarded with the negative response, Kang issued an apology. The apology included the fitness guru’s struggles in life and ended with some harsh words for her critics:
“What you interpret is not MY fault. It’s Yours. The first step in owning your life, your body and your destiny is to OWN the thoughts that come out of your own head. I didn’t create them. You created them.”
As reported by ABC News , the apology sparked even more criticism. However, Kang did receive some positive encouragement. She said her fans give her the courage to stand up to her critics.
Maria Kang contends the photo and message were meant as an inspiration. She wants mothers to know that they “can still maintain a sense of self, physically and professionally” after having children.
She explained that excess weight and health-related problems are “literally a ‘bigger’ issue” than the photograph. She points out that is it “time we stop tip-toeing around people’s feelings.”
As reported by KSDK News , critics have specific issues with Kang’s approach. They feel she could remain an inspiration without the harsh words. Facebook user Kelly Vaughn Hubble suggest that Kang “should inspire, not incite.”
Maria Kang freely admits her apology was more of a “non-apology.” However, she is not willing to back down.
[Images via Facebook ]
