A plus-size model and influencer has sparked a heated debate on social media after opening up about her unpleasant experience at a restaurant.
29-year-old Kirsty Leanne from England is a social media influencer and an advocate for plus-size people who previously sparked a debate after complaining about the size of her plane seat on a Ryanair flight.
Now, the young lady once again managed to divide opinions after revealing she requested a bigger chair at a restaurant in Ibiza because the legs of the chair she was using dug into her thighs and left her feeling uncomfortable.
“The first day we went down for breakfast, I sat down on the chair and felt instantly uncomfortable,” Kirsty, who owns and manages the PlusSizeTravelToo blog, recalled.
“It was a decent size but was awkwardly shaped in the sense it had legs that raised higher than the seat itself. This meant they dug into my thighs and it was incredibly painful to sit on. I tried to maneuver but there was no way I could sit comfortably.”
The 29-year-old added: “I could see bigger chairs at tables that were all occupied, but had empty chairs, and pulled a member of staff aside to ask if there was a chance I could use one of the empty ones instead.”
As Kirsty explained, the staff were very apologetic and didn’t hesitate at all to improve her stay at the restaurant.
Since then, she had been frequently changing her chair on her own every time she goes to the restaurant for a meal.
“I get a little nervous when it comes to asking but over the years it definitely got easier. My main worry is always what those around me will think, rather than what the staff think,” she added.
“I’ve learnt to push it to the back of my mind as much as possible, but there are still moments where I catch myself worrying.”
After her post went viral, Kirsty was met with fierce criticism from people telling her to “wake up” and stop “promoting obesity.”
“If this ain’t a sign what is,” one person said.
“If you don’t get this wake-up call it’s over,” another added.
A third suggested: “There should be no exceptions.”
Many viewers, however, rushed to Kirsty’s aid and praised her not only for speaking out and requesting a bigger chair but also for sharing her story and inspiring other plus-size travelers.
“Yes, you deserve comfort no matter your size,” someone wrote.
“Honestly, I hate how uncomfortable those chairs at most restaurants are, even for skinny people. They make them that way on purpose,” another claimed.
One person commented: “I agree. Places have to cater for all don’t they.”
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