Instagram/@rumerwillis
Rumer Willis became a flamethrower for the sundry and varied commentary on Instagram.”Widow of controversy”, in an alternative scenario. The 35-year-old actress-singer had imparted some big sister advice for women in their twenties and thirties, mystifyingly hinting at her views on sunscreen, birth control, and suppositories, et cetera, eliciting ire from her followers, the angry comments flooding in from medical professionals.
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As the post continued slipping underground and achieving the viral crown of infamy, Willis issued statements which immediately turned to be scrutinized upon. She said chemical sunscreens are toxic but that “the sun isn’t toxic”; she called forth a demand for women to “get off” birth control; warned that wireless headphones are “cooking your brain”; and suggested that conventional tampons are “soaked in chemicals.” The post, however, began with “What I’d say if I wasn’t worried about hurting your feelings…”, eliciting immediate concern from her audience.
The comment section has erupted with a flurry of criticisms, especially regarding the sun. One said, “Please tell the family of someone who died of skin cancer the sun isn’t toxic. Try to think of the spectrum of human experience, not just your own, when you post.” This ignited a long thread in which users began recounting personal and family experiences with melanoma, while others argued over chemical versus mineral sunscreens.
Medical professionals offered some stark warnings. “As a nurse that worked in derm, sunscreen is absolutely necessary,” said another. “So much privilege in this advice babe. I’m sure you have good intentions, but much of what you’re suggesting is not affordable/accessible for so many,” a second commented.
The birth control advice was equally split; some agreed with Willis’s stance, while others gave instances on how hormonal contraceptives were greatly beneficial to their lives. There was one woman who wrote: “Birth control actually got my hormones on track. Saved me from needing a blood transfusion during my period… I guess it’s safe to say everyone is different and doesn’t have the same needs.” Another added with some humor: “When I got off birth control and tried to track my cycle, I got pregnant. Until I decide to be celibate for the rest of my life or have a ton of kids I can’t afford to feed, I’m staying on my toxic birth control.”
Many said that the comments equated dangerous misinformation: “Nobody should be talking medical advice from anyone without a medical degree,” one follower wrote, another chiming in “Yikes. This reeks of alt-R pipeline. Nah.”The comments took a darker tone, with several noting the irony that the post’s timing during Melanoma Awareness Month would also stir controversy, and many encouraging followers to get their skins checked.
Of course, even with the criticisms, defiantly, there was a defense for Willis. “Thankful to hear the generations are looking past the bullshit, and living more like those before,” one user commented. Another said, “Definitely great advice for anyone. Sorry you’re getting hate for spreading truth.” Yet such support was far outweighed by the concerned ones questioning the means and safety of her suggestions.
The fervent response is just the most recent instance of ongoing strife between wellness influencers and medical professionals, especially when celebrities lacking scientific credentials get into the health-advice-throwing business. To quote rather aptly, “This is quite an aggressive comment section! Truth always hits a nerve!!” This confrontation shows how personal health choices have become increasingly polarizing topics on social media outlets, especially when posed as definitive advice rather than as a personal experience.
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Rumer Willis has lately gotten herself a baby to mother, and alongside the singing career and family updates, she has been putting forth lifestyle content. However, this post seemed to have been the tipping point for most of her followers, who were expecting a more thoughtful approach to the treacherous health terrain. It is a reminder of just how wrong good advice can be when poorly placed. Rumer Glenn Willis often shares glimpses of her personal life.
