A young woman recently gained global recognition when she spoke out about her challenges fitting into an airplane seat. She called on airlines to update their planes to accommodate modern bodies better. Many thought she’d had plastic surgery, and then she posted her old photos, but the debate only intensified.

Gracie Bon, a social media star from Panama, went viral when she posted a video of herself on a plane. The video showed her struggling to buckle up in an airplane seat, and it was clear that she was uncomfortable trying to adjust herself in the cramped space. The video resonated with many, spreading rapidly across social media platforms.

Even though she had booked first-class tickets, Gracie still couldn’t find any relief. She ran into the same problem. The seats were still too small for her curvy figure.

This prompted her to make a bold statement. She advocated for larger airplane seats and said that it was not her job to change her body to fit into the seats.

Gracie’s bold statement got a mixed reaction. Some praised her for speaking up for plus-sized individuals, while others criticized her. One person wrote, “Why not buy two seats instead of one? It’s clear you’ve got the money to afford them.” Another person commented, “Who’s to blame?” “Nobody made you get the surgeries.”

Many people were quick to show their support for the influencer. One person said, “I agree.” “I need a larger seat and a more comfortable seat belt.” Another fan backed Gracie, noting, “The only surgery she’s had was a tummy tuck.” “Her hips are naturally that large.”

Some people suggested that her body proportions were a result of plastic surgery. Gracie stood her ground, saying her body was natural. She asked the airline industry to make changes to accommodate people of all sizes.

Gracie has moved on from the criticism she received after having surgery to enhance her buttocks. She posted before-and-after photos of herself online. She also mentioned that she used to weigh 300 lbs (136 kg).

At 21, she decided to adopt a healthier lifestyle. She started working out and taking care of herself. She also mentioned that her weight was beginning to affect her health, causing knee pain and breathing issues.

Gracie successfully lost 100 lbs (45 kg). She admits that she had surgery to deal with extra skin. In fact, she says she had “many” small surgeries to remove the loose skin. Gracie also champions body positivity and believes that no body type is superior. We should all feel comfortable in our skin and not let beauty standards affect us.

Gracie was open about having a tummy tuck and shared before-and-after photos. Her thighs are naturally that size.

She added, “And even so, many people tell me, ‘But if you had loved it, you would have stayed like this and not changed anything about you.’ The truth is, I loved my body so much that I wanted to take care of it. I decided to save myself. I didn’t like my knee pain, not being able to breathe correctly, or rejection from my ex-partner at that time. So, I did everything I could to lose weight.

Many people still had questions. Some asked how she managed to lose weight only in her upper body, how her face had changed, and if she edited her photos. Gracie still needs to respond to these concerns.

Undoubtedly, the world is changing, and body positivity is gaining momentum. Plus-size model Paloma Elsesser was named Model of the Year for 2023.