Influencer Gracie Bon Addresses Backlash for Posing in Front of Panama Earthquake Rubble

An Instagram post by influencer Gracie Bon showing her posing in front of earthquake rubble in Panama quickly drew criticism online

She fired back in a video, explaining to her 11.9 million Instagram followers that she had shared her initial post to draw attention to the "reality" of the destruction in Panama

"I don't make any money from this," she said. "My intention was to help with resources and find one or two families I could help rebuild their house"

An influencer is responding to criticism over her social media activity following a devastating earthquake in Panama.

On Sunday, Oct. 11, content creator Gracie Bon shared a carousel of photos depicting the widespread destruction in Panama, after 7.7- and 6.6-magnitude earthquakes hit the southern portion of the country on Friday, prompting evacuations and causing buildings to collapse.

Her post — which included images of her posing in front of the rubble — drew criticism online as some commenters claimed it was insensitive to include herself in images of the destruction. But in a video the following day, the internet personality fired back.

Bon explained to her 11.9 million followers that she had shared her initial post to draw attention to the "reality" of the destruction in Panama.

"I don't make any money from this," she said. "My intention was to help with resources and find one or two families I could help rebuild their house."

Speaking directly to the criticism over the inclusion of a photo where she was posing by the rubble, Bon said, "If I'm in the photo, I'm not posing. I just chose a picture where I'm in it instead of one where I'm not, because I know it'll get more reach and attention from my followers and I can help rebuild a house."

The content creator said that she had donated money following the earthquakes and had handed out donations to those affected by the disaster.

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"Just like I share trips or dance clips, I'll also share the good things I do," she said. "Why would I hide them?"

Concluded Bon: "Tomorrow you'll forget about my photo, but that family will still be without a home."