“Outrage!” were the words of social media users this past week, as Ali Tate Cutler, a plus–size model for Victoria’s Secret and influencer, posted a series of TikTok videos of her discussing her grandmother’s planned euthanasia at the hands of a doctor.
“My grandmother has chosen euthanasia for her terminal diagnosis, so this is the last time I can take her out for dinner,” Cutler wrote in a caption of one video, which raised eyebrows and sparked debate across the internet.
Y’all there is an Instagram influencer making cutesy videos about her grandma choosing MAiD (assisted suicide). I might throw my phone out the window. pic.twitter.com/Wi7ZqXnpEf
— Evie Solheim (@EvieSolheim) May 22, 2023
Cutler, who has become increasingly popular on social media due to her modeling success, was slammed by users for appearing to have a “lack of respect for her grandmother” and a “lack of understanding of the gravity of the situation.”
It just shows an utter lack of understanding the gravity of a situation.
This woman’s final days deserve to be more than to be made into a TikTok/Instagram Video for her Granddaughter’s views.
Total lack of humility on her part & of respect for her Grandmother.
— Eric Pistey (@shawnpisteySC) May 22, 2023
In a series of videos, Cutler was seen asking her grandmother questions about her planned euthanasia and discussing her plans, including the initial injection to put her to sleep and the two further injections that will eventually end her life. Her grandmother was in agreement of the plan, saying how she “trust[ed] in life and [trusted] in death.”
Cutler later responded to the criticism, stating, “What cannot be denied is the strength and emotion of a woman who knows her ending is near. I couldn’t be prouder. No one should be shamed for speaking their truth.”
Many responded to Cutler’s defense with understanding, noting how many keep discussions of death, especially related to assisted suicide, so quiet.
“Many of us have family members who have gone through these types of health obstacles, who choose to take control of their lives in the face of these circumstances,” one user wrote. “We are all allowed to talk about these matters in their own [way], and these choices, without judgment.”
The debate over assisted suicide is an ongoing one, and Cutler’s videos have resulted in a new wave of dialogue bringing attention to the controversial subject. Cutler’s influencer status could result in changing people’s opinions on the matter, and it will be interesting to see what kind of future conversations arise from this topic.
