Influencer Gracie Bon Defends Posing in Panama Earthquake Rubble: "I'm Not Posing" — Says She Donated Money and Supplies
Panama-born, U.S.-based content creator Gracie Bon has about 11.9 million followers on Instagram, People magazine and LADbible reported. On October 9, magnitude 7.7 and 6.6 earthquakes struck southern Panama, collapsing buildings, prompting evacuations and damaging nearly 900 homes; UNICEF estimates that about 38,000 people, including 8,300 children, need humanitarian assistance, and that 656 schools sustained damage, with classes suspended while inspections continue.
On Sunday, October 11, Bon posted a carousel of photos depicting the destruction — including images of herself posing in front of the rubble of collapsed homes. Her caption read, in part: "After the earthquake, we're reminded that material things can be replaced, but life is priceless," urging followers to hug their loved ones tighter and show up for those who need it most. The post drew about 203,000 likes, but the comments quickly filled with criticism, with one commenter writing, "Help? No. Have a photo shoot? Yes," and others accusing her of insensitivity and chasing likes.
Bon responded in a video the following day. She told her followers she had shared the post to draw attention to the "reality" of the destruction: "I don't make any money from this. My intention was to help with resources and find one or two families I could help rebuild their house." Addressing the rubble photo directly, she said: "If I'm in the photo, I'm not posing. I just chose a picture where I'm in it instead of one where I'm not, because I know it'll get more reach and attention from my followers and I can help rebuild a house." She said she had donated money after the earthquakes and handed out donations to those affected. "Just like I share trips or dance clips, I'll also share the good things I do. Why would I hide them?" she said. "Tomorrow you'll forget about my photo, but that family will still be without a home." She added: "There are people who get more outraged by a photo than by seeing families lose everything. Sometimes the problem is not what we do, but the eyes with which you decide to see it," and called for unity: "Panama needs us united; it's not time for division or criticizing each other. The affected areas need our help."
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：洛杉矶城市搜救队成员与巴拿马消防急救人员在韦拉瓜斯省评估震后建筑受损情况。照片：美国陆军 Sgt. Jabari Middleton／DVIDS（公共领域）。Members of the Los Angeles Urban Search and Rescue Team and Panamanian emergency responders assess earthquake damage in Veraguas Province. Photo: U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jabari Middleton / DVIDS (public domain).
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