Tinder: Weight Watchers ad sparks outrage

• Weight Watchers advertised with a profile on Tinder.
• As soon as users matched a supposed profile, they received an inappropriate message.
• Both photographer Paul Ripke, seen in profile, and Weight Watchers apologized.

Weight Watchers is known for a weight loss program that aims to impress with a point system and healthy eating. Of course you have to get that out to the people. The diet company had therefore advertised on Tinder with celebrity photographer Paul Ripke.

Unlike usual, users of the dating app were not redirected to a website while swiping, but the ad, which was hardly recognizable as such, could be mistaken for a Tinder profile. Once matched, the users then received the following message, according to the Bild newspaper:

You + healthy eating habits = ♥ / I’ve been around for a while and finally found my center. Are you also longing for inspiration and support on your journey to more balance and a healthy lifestyle? Sign up for Weight Watchers now and get a taste for new habits.

The advertising was subsequently criticized by many affected women on Instagram. It’s inappropriate and hurtful. According to the star, podcaster Kim Hoss first drew attention to the ad, calling the ad offensive. She also asked whether fat men were also written to like that.

Both Ripke and Weight Watchers apologized for the action on their Instagram stories. Paul Ripke explained that he was generally aware of the use of his likeness on Tinder. However, the message was rightly rated as encroaching. He then announced that he was ending his relationship with Weight Watchers. On the other hand, Weight Watchers also regrets the insensitive action. The incident should be processed internally.

Also interesting…