Anzac Highway bar The Highway apologises for ‘fat-shaming’ social media post

An Adelaide bar has apologised for a ‘Skinny Saturdays’ social media post after followers called it “fat-shaming”. What do you think?

An Adelaide bar has apologised after its new ‘Skinny Saturdays’ food and drink promotion was described on social media as “fat shaming”.

The Highway, on Anzac Highway, launched the event at the weekend, designed to encourage patrons to enjoy zero carb Seltzer drinks and salad specials.

“It’s time to get the chassis primed for some summer beach action and we’ve got your back here on Saturdays as we present ‘Skinny Saturdays’,” said a message on the Plympton venue’s website.

Some of its social media followers criticised the wording of the new weekly event, saying it promoted “disordered eating”.

“Fatphobia and promotion of diet culture is not insignificant, it’s a societal issue that causes devastation to the lives of millions,” one person wrote.

Supplied Editorial

Another commented: “Salad and seltzers Saturday is a sweet idea. ‘Drink yourself skinny’ is just tacky AF.”

“Ya know, maybe ‘skinny’ does not always equal healthy, like we’re conditioned to believe,” wrote another.

The Highway bar at Plympton. Picture: AAP/ Keryn Stevens

Other online comments were supportive of the promotion, saying people were being overly sensitive.

“Some people are awfully precious. If I could drink myself skinny I would,” wrote one follower.

The Highway has since changed the name of the promotion to ‘Selzter Saturday’, and apologised for offending anyone.

“We were just having a bit of fun off the back of low-calorie count in Seltzer and popularity of salads, but understand we got it wrong and we apologise for any offence caused,” they posted on social media. No hard feelings we hope.”