A disparaging and rude Yelp review about an ice cream store employee's weight has led to an outpouring of support for the bullied teen.
Before taking to the internet, the woman made negative remarks to her children about Justine Elwood, who was working Monday as a shift leader at Cold Stone Creamery.
"She was giving me dirty looks the whole time and it was kind of weird but I helped her and then she said a comment to her kids, something like, 'if you continue to eat too much ice cream you're going to look like her,' and I continued helping her, and that was it," Elwood told KTVX. "I was just kind of shocked because I feel like that's not something you should say in front of kids anyway, and it wasn't very nice. And I don't think it's a good thing to teach your kids, but it happens, I guess."
The woman then took to Yelp to share her thoughts about the ice-cream experience, as well as Elwood's weight.
The Yelp review has since been deleted, but was shared by Elwood's mother on Facebook:
"One of the female employees Jessie? Jennifer? J something, is disgustingly obese, and each time we come in, although she does her job, and is very polite, instantly makes my appetite disappear. I understand the need to hire bias free, but when someone's (sic) looks interfere with my experience at an establishment I can't help but complain. As a mother, I don't like my children thinking they will look that way by eating too much ice cream."
Sadly, it's behavior Elwood, 19, has grown accustomed to hearing from others.
"Unfortunately, it wasn't something that I'm not used to. It's kind of. I've had my whole life," Elwood said. "I'm kind of used to it, which is horrible, but it's just something that I kind of dealt with throughout my life."
She returned to work Saturday to a show of balloons, flowers and notes of praise.
"It's never good to hear those things about yourself," Elwood said. "You know, it definitely didn't make me feel good, for sure, but the community and stuff and all the support I've gotten from my employer and just from friends and coworkers has been amazing. It's been a good experience."
She is going to school to become a doctor. A GoFundMe page was set up to help.
About the Author
