Gracie Bon Defends Posing Amid Panama Earthquake Rubble for Donations

Social media model Gracie Bon has defended her social media posts from Panama following online criticism, stating that her presence among the wreckage of an earthquake was intended to give her followers a better reach and help affected families rather than serve as a photo opportunity, nine.com.au reported. The 29-year-old influencer, who has 11.9 million online followers, posted photos of herself amid the damage left by the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Panama on October 10. The powerful tremor prompted evacuations across the capital, with footage revealing buildings collapsing and locals rushing to evacuate Panama City.

Backlash Over Earthquake Photos

One initial caption read, The reality of my country after the earthquake, we’re reminded that material things can be replaced, but life is priceless.

Model Defends Context of Post

All the news in my country were showing a perfect city after an 8.0 earthquake, but the reality was other for the countryside, Bon wrote in her statement. I simply decided to post a picture of myself in it versus one with no picture because it will give my followers a better reach and reaction and I can help rebuild a house for a family, she stated. The model, who lives in the US but was born and raised in Panama City, stated that she was not posing in her photos and added, I went there to give donations and also took pictures of how it really looks. The reality, not the cute part that they were trying to show. She continued: I will continue helping these families. No lost were lost, but they lost their homes and everything they had worked their entire lives for. Bon also wrote, I wanted you all to see the realty of what is happening in panama, and I guess that mission was accomplished, and asked of her fans, Now, please help. These families need us. She further noted on the unexpected response, There are people who get more outraged by a photo than by seeing families lose everything.

Relief Efforts in Panama City

Alongside her social media posts, Bon has documented her relief work on the ground, sharing footage of herself purchasing supplies such as water, rice, and canned goods. She called on her fans to extend help to those who need it.