The founder of a social media movement aimed at empowering big women has become the victim of cyber bullying after posting a picture of herself in a revealing dress.
Melissa Smith, the founder of Differently Beautiful, says she felt even more empowered after people on her page came out in her defence and put the troll in her place.
Fuller figured women then started posting their own photos proudly showing off their curves.
The 30-year-old from Portland in Mitchells Plain says this is exactly what she had hoped to achieve when she started her movement last year.
“I posted a picture on Facebook two weeks ago where I had on a dress by a local designer which I wore to a fashion show I was judging at the One & Only Hotel,” explains Melissa.
INTERNET TROLL: Provocative post
“The dress was received quite well and as an advocate for plus-sized women I saw no problem in wearing this beautiful dress.”
Facebook users complimented her on the dress a black body suit covered by a see-through polka dot mesh dress - but not everyone liked her look.
A woman called Yasmien posted: “I really, like many others, don’t appreciate layers of adipose tissue, cellulite, thunder thighs and what-not all over a body.
“I mean I look at fuller figure models, big, fat and toned. Just the other day a woman posed in a swimsuit.
“Her glutes were sagging, one more than the other. I mean, groom and tone at least. (sic)”
STAND UP: Mense defended Melissa
Melissa says the body-shaming comment dented her self-confidence.
“When I saw the response from Yasmien on Facebook, my confidence took a bit of a knock,” she says.
“For her to give her opinion is OK, but to single people out and say those things is bullying.
“Yasmien’s main thing was if one is my size, you have to be toned and tasteful.”
But while Melissa licked her wounded pride, her Facebook followers put Yasmien in her place.
HURTFUL: Post dented self-confidence
Candice posted: “We will not be shamed into hiding. Love your body proudly. The saddest thing for me is that women tear down women. So sad that a grown woman doesn’t know a thing about self-love.”
Melissa says she hopes Yasmien will learn to embrace herself as well as other women.
“I don’t know if she likes bringing people down but she has just made me more motivated to stand up against bullies. Why must we (big girls) conform to society’s beliefs?”
The Daily Voice tried calling Yasmien on her cellphone and left messages but all calls went unanswered and the messages were not returned.