Facebook has apologised after it banned a picture of a plus-size model on the basis that the image depicts "body parts in an undesirable manner".

CherchezLaFemme/Instagram

The photo, which was used to promote a feminist event promoting body acceptance and positivity, failed to meet Facebook's "heath and fitness policy". Model Tess Holliday was seen smiling in a bikini.


The social media platform allowed the event page to remain live, but refused to endorse the group's advert promoting the event.

"Ads may not depict a state of health or body weight as being perfect or extremely undesirable," Facebook wrote. "Ads like these are not allowed since they make viewers feel bad about themselves. Instead, we recommend using an image of a relevant activity, such as running or riding a bike."


Australian feminist group, Cherchez la Femme, who were hosting the event shared screen grabs on Facebook's response on social media. Facebook has since reinstated the ad, issuing the below statement.

"Our team processes millions of advertising images each week, and in some instances we incorrectly prohibit ads," the statement said. "This image does not violate our ad policies. We apologize for the error and have let the advertiser know we are approving their ad."