An online influencer recently sparked a massive backlash after sharing a controversial TikTok video in which she claimed she was “too pretty” to work. This bold statement ignited a wave of criticism, with netizens labeling her as “shallow” and “entitled.” Many were offended by her suggestion that employment is only for those who aren’t “pretty enough.” The uproar on social media has made her video go viral, sparking debates about beauty, privilege, and work ethics.
The influencer at the center of this controversy is Lucy Welcher, who has amassed almost 20 million likes on her social media platforms. Known for her humorous videos, Lucy often shares clips of herself sitting in her car, sipping iced coffee, or flaunting recent shopping hauls. But on November 8, 2022, the 20-year-old’s post took an unexpected turn. Captioned, “Not my thing [laughing emoji] #working #scam,” the video featured Lucy stating, “I do not want to work for the rest of my life. Does it look like I want to get up at 6 a.m. every f**king day for the next 60 years? No! I’m too pretty for that!”
Her remark didn’t sit well with viewers, who flooded the comments section with criticism. Comments ranged from disbelief to outright disdain. “Boy, I wish I had your confidence, the same confidence to feel like I’m better looking than I actually am. God, you people are so shallow and in love with yourselves,” wrote one frustrated viewer. Another bluntly commented, “Someone’s entitled. I hope you get humbled, girl. Looks have nothing to do with working, and it’s sad you have that mentality.” Others criticized her for her “privileged” attitude, suggesting she needed a dose of reality.
The intense backlash led Lucy to delete the video, claiming that viewers failed to understand it was meant as a joke. In a follow-up post, she expressed her frustration over being “slandered all over social media” for the video. With a hint of sarcasm, Lucy attempted to correct some of the online narratives, denying claims that she owns luxury cars or earns $100,000 per year. “I live in Canada, and the idea that I live in a mansion is hilarious… because my house is literally falling apart,” she explained.
Not one to shy away from controversy, Lucy decided to remake the video a few days later on November 14. This time, she once again sipped iced coffee while repeating her original lines in a playful manner. Titled “Remake of the most hated video I’ve ever made,” the clip surprisingly drew more supportive reactions than the original. Many users rallied behind her, finally understanding that her message was meant to be humorous. “You’re 100% correct, getting up early will spoil your good looks,” joked one viewer. Another commented, “This video and the first one gave me life.” Some even praised her for sticking to her comedic style, with one user writing, “You are too pretty for that. Those are just the hard cold facts of life.”
Despite the mixed reactions, Lucy’s videos have fueled a broader conversation about beauty standards, privilege, and work culture in the modern age. It’s clear that humor doesn’t always translate well on social media, but Lucy managed to turn the tide of public opinion by embracing the controversy with sarcasm and resilience.