‘Sick’ filter that makes users appear fat is pulled after backlash on TikTok: ‘Fuels toxic diet culture’

New York Post - Mar 22nd, 2025

CapCut, a video editing app owned by ByteDance, has removed its controversial 'chubby' filter following significant backlash from users on TikTok, another ByteDance-owned platform. The filter, which altered photos to make people appear heavier, was criticized for promoting negative body image and fostering a toxic social media environment. TikTok confirmed that content featuring the filter was reviewed and flagged as inappropriate for recommendations, especially for teen users. Influencers like Sadie Bass, who vocally opposed the filter, celebrated its removal as a positive step towards making social media a more supportive space.

The incident underscores the ongoing challenges tech companies face in managing content that can have damaging societal effects, particularly regarding body positivity and mental health. Critics, including food and nutrition scientist Dr. Emma Beckett, highlighted that such trends perpetuate harmful stereotypes and contribute to issues like eating disorders and body dissatisfaction. The removal of the filter is seen as a small victory by advocates who emphasize the importance of challenging toxic diet culture and promoting a healthier, more inclusive digital environment.

Tik Tok Byte Dance Social Media Backlash Cap Cut Sadie Bass Body Positivity Chubby Filter Controversy

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.0

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article effectively addresses a timely and relevant issue concerning the removal of a controversial digital filter from CapCut, highlighting the impact on body image and the response from TikTok. It presents a clear narrative supported by user reactions and expert opinions, making it engaging and accessible to readers. However, the article could improve by incorporating more diverse sources and providing greater transparency about the decision-making process behind the filter's removal. Overall, the story successfully raises awareness about the ethical considerations of digital media and its influence on societal norms, while maintaining a balanced and responsible approach to a potentially controversial topic.

Accuracy

The story accurately reports the removal of the 'chubby' filter from the CapCut app following backlash from users, as confirmed by a TikTok spokesperson. It correctly notes that TikTok reviewed content with the filter and restricted its visibility, aligning with actions taken to address user concerns. The claims about user reactions and expert opinions are consistent with the broader discussion on body positivity and the potential harmful effects of such filters. However, the article could benefit from more concrete data on the prevalence of the filter's use and specific details about TikTok's internal review process.

Balance

The article presents a balanced view by including perspectives from both users and experts who criticized the filter. It highlights the negative impact of the filter on body image and acknowledges TikTok's response to the controversy. However, the article could have been more balanced by including a statement from ByteDance or CapCut directly addressing the issue, which would provide a more comprehensive view of the situation. Additionally, exploring any potential positive aspects or intended uses of the filter could have added depth.

Clarity

The article is clear and straightforward, effectively communicating the key points about the filter's removal and the ensuing backlash. The language is accessible, and the structure logically presents the sequence of events and reactions. However, the article could improve clarity by providing more detailed background on CapCut and its relationship with TikTok, which would help readers unfamiliar with these platforms understand the context better.

Source quality

The article cites a TikTok spokesperson and references comments from a TikTok user and a food and nutrition scientist, which lends credibility to the reported claims. However, the reliance on a single platform (TikTok) and the absence of direct quotes from ByteDance or CapCut weaken the source variety. Including more authoritative voices or independent experts on digital media and body image could enhance the article's reliability.

Transparency

The article lacks transparency in terms of explaining the methodology behind TikTok's decision to remove the filter and the criteria used for reviewing flagged content. While it provides user reactions and expert opinions, it does not clarify the timeline of events or disclose any potential conflicts of interest between the platforms involved. Greater transparency about the process and decision-making would improve the article's credibility.