Amanda Seyfried apologises to Instagram influencer for criticising bikini photo

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Amanda Seyfried has apologised to her fans after she publicly criticised a social media influencer for posting photograph of herself in a bikini on Instagram and “flaunting” her lifestyle.

Earlier this week, Instagram user Arielle Charnas posted a photograph of herself in a green bikini with the caption: “Proud of my body after two kids.”

Despite receiving several comments from some of her 1.2m followers praising Charnas for her appearance, others accused the mother-of-two of being “tone deaf”.

Seyfried and her friend, whose name remains unknown, took umbrage with the photograph and posted their thoughts on social media.

After receiving backlash for their criticism of Charnas, Seyfried posted a photo on Instagram with a caption that addressed her original comments.

Addressing “all who [felt] bullied or thin-shamed” from the comments she wrote: “If you know me or are familiar with any of my beliefs or stances you’ll recognise that it isn’t in my character to tear down anyone for ‘being who they are’.”

The actor also said that she thought there was a “price tag” influencers like Charnas live with, adding: “You have to be aware of the message you’re sending and be able to back it up when faced with criticism (not just praise). Hold yourselves accountable instead of using the terms above.”

However, the star said that she regretted using Charnas’ platform to convey her thoughts on influencers in the media.

“The only thing I’d take back is exactly how I started this debate,” Seyfried wrote.

“I desperately wish it hadn’t targeted (or blasted) one person (there are MANY who engage in this questionable messaging) and instead started a cleaner, general conversation.”

She concluded her post by apologising to Charnas for the “negative feels” she has endured as a result of her comments.

On Wednesday, the Mamma Mia! actor posted a screenshot of a comment her friend left on Charnas’ image.

In the comment, the friend asked the social media star to acknowledge how her wealth and privilege perpetuates “the patriarchal (totally unrealistic)” notion that mothers should “bound back” after childbirth.

Seyfried’s friend went on to say that such idealistic beauty standards are “an impossibility for anyone who can’t afford ample childcare”.

The user continued, accusing Charnas – whose Instagram account features photographs of her fashion and workouts – of “glorifying an unhealthy body image” and asking her to use her platform “to encourage more women to be ambitious business women”.

In a caption to the screenshot message, Seyfried said that anyone who gets paid for “flaunting” their lifestyle, must decide if what they’re throwing out there is worth it “in the big picture”.

In light of Seyfried’s caption, several users have criticised the actor for judging the social media star.

“You need to learn how to mind your business,” wrote one user.

“Also, calling people underweight or associating [it] to thin women’s bodies to prepubescent bodies is just rude,” commented another.

“Some women do have naturally muscular thin bodies. We shouldn’t define one type – curvy ladies – as the ‘natural’ type.

“Why do we have to bring some peoples bodies down instead of bringing everyone’s up?”

Seyfried gave birth to her child, a baby girl called Nina, with actor Thomas Sadoski in March 2017.