Olympic gymnast Nastia Liukin is facing immense criticism as a jaw-dropping flexibility display comes complete with a bold promotional agenda. The 31-year-old Russian-born star, followed by 1.1 million on Instagram, delivered her rubber-band skill-set with perfection in a recent share, but with the post seeing her promote a prescription-grade drug, responses were very mixed indeed.
Liukin, who joins the likes of 37-year-old reality star Khloe Kardashian in promoting migraine medication on Instagram, revealed that the common condition has been debilitating for her. The five-time Olympic medalist’s post was out to let fans know her solution – one she was paid to endorse.
Nastia Liukin Slammed Over Drugs Promo In Splits
Nastia’s snap was also a reminder that despite retiring aged just 22 back in 2012, she hasn’t lost her abilities. The blonde, who has been making July and August headlines for a sell-out footwear collab with sneaker brand APL, was barefoot, up on a beam, and upside-down as she fashioned herself into a perfect 180-degree split. Pointing her bare feet and arching her back while in pale pink leggings and a sports bra, Nastia showed off her strength, but she admitted that one aspect to her can’t be conquered. The migraines.
Announcing that her post was a paid partnership – Nastia has many, from Pottery Barn to Facebook App and Revolve – the beauty blogger joked that she’s “STILL GOT IT, kind of!”
“Training looks a lot different these days than it once did. What some of you might not know is that I struggled with frequent #migraines leading up to some very special moments in my life. They were debilitating, and I didn’t have a solution,” she added, confirming that “now, I finally do.” The Volition partner then got her name-dropping hat on, continuing:
“After years of migraines, I discovered Nurtec® ODT (rimegepant) 75 mg, which alleviates pain quickly and lets me get back to the important things in life.”
A full medical disclaimer, including possible side effects was included. While a like did come in from 25-year-old fellow former Olympian McKayla Maroney, not all were impressed by the post. In fact, it looks like Nastia’s followers think the Rx promo took things one step too far.
“What’s up with all the ads for pharmaceuticals. First Laurie, now Nastia. I get that influencers need to advertise for stuff in order to earn their income, but why pharmaceuticals?” one fan wrote, calling it “unethical” – their comment sits top. Another fan told Liukin: “I really think people need to keep all of their pharma use to themselves. Talking about migraines is one thing but to be an influencer of a medication is strange to me.”
“AH! UNWANTED AD! a third exclaimed – while backlash was significant, it wasn’t universal, with one fan actually saying that the medication Nastia was promoting had actually helped them with their migraines. Liukin, who has also influenced for skincare brands Olay and Dove, does not appear to have endorsed any other pharmaceutical product on her Instagram. She’s also chosen not to address the backlash.