A Facebook page filled with images of California residents accompanied by offensive comments has caused Internet outrage.
The now-defunct "530 Fatties" page, run by an anonymous user, featured pictures of overweight and obese people who dared to be seen in public in and around the 530 area code of Northern California.
Image Source: CBS Sacramento
Facebook confirmed to The Huffington Post that they removed the group page earlier this week after receiving user complaints.
"We do not tolerate bullying or harassment," a spokesperson said in a statement given to HuffPost. "We allow users to speak freely on matters and people of public interest, but take action on all reports of abusive behavior directed at private individuals."
The site has previously taken action against individuals accused of fat-shaming and bullying other users, including "fit mom" Maria Kang who was banned from the site for allegedly fat-shaming her followers in November 2013.
Image Source: CBS Sacramento
Jessi Lynn Howell, whose image was posted on the "530 Fatties" page without her consent, said that she was embarrassed and angry at being featured on a public page making fun of her weight.
"Cyberbullying -- bullying period -- it needs to stop," she told CBS Sacramento. "So I’m going to be a voice today for those people that don't have that voice.”
Image Source: CBS Sacramento
“I’m thankful I have enough confidence and self esteem,” an unidentified woman who was ridiculed on the Facebook page wrote in a comment read on The Today Show. “I love myself, big or small. If I knew who the person [who ran the page] was, I would let them know they didn’t hurt my feelings or bring me down. I’m still me.”
Why an anonymous person thought this kind of behavior would be acceptable is a mystery to us -- and we're glad that Facebook has taken a stand against it.
Clarification: Language has been amended throughout to clarify that the page did not exclusively target women.
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