A lifestyle influencer is drawing criticism online after posting a video in which she expressed embarrassment over a routine task—carrying toilet paper in public.
Ellie Gerson, known for her wellness content and as the founder of a boutique ice cream brand, shared the video on social media on July 1. In the clip, she films herself walking through the streets of New York City at night, appearing self-conscious as she carries a large pack of toilet paper.
Frustrated viewers called the video “tone-deaf,” criticizing it as yet another example of influencers overdramatizing ordinary, everyday moments.
“Do you really need to document every tiny detail of your life?” one commenter wrote.
An influencer was mocked online after posting a video in which she expressed embarrassment about carrying toilet paper in public.
Image credit: @elliegerson
“I’ve never once walked in public with toilet paper in NYC, but unfortunately tonight it had to happen,” Gerson captioned the video.
Instead of striking a relatable chord, the post quickly made the rounds online as a prime example of what many see as a growing trend: influencers dramatizing trivial inconveniences for content.
“God, can you people do anything?” one user commented.
Others were simply baffled by Gerson’s reaction, questioning why such a mundane task would cause embarrassment.
“It’s embarrassing to admit to wiping your a\*\* now?” one user wrote. “These are the kind of people who think using an umbrella when it rains is shameful too.”
Another added, “How do you manage to leave your house if something as normal as buying toilet paper is this humiliating?”
While the video itself was relatively harmless, for some viewers it marked a tipping point—fueling broader frustration with what they called “performative vulnerability” in influencer culture.
“You’re not making a sacrifice for the greater good—you just bought toilet paper,” one commenter wrote. “Why did you feel the need to record it?”
Users voiced their frustration over what they saw as a growing trend of influencers turning everyday moments into overly dramatic content.
“Nobody cares that you’re buying toilet paper. Anyone who sees you with it won’t give it a second thought,” another user commented. “Seriously, get over yourself.”
Others criticized the humor itself, calling it outdated and overdone.
“It’s hard to explain, but this feels like that tired 2010-era millennial meme humor,” one viewer commented. “It’s been done to death.”
Another added, “It’s the kind of content that appeals to people who still think The Office is the pinnacle of comedy.”
Some responded with sarcasm, mocking the dramatic tone of the video.
“Wait—she goes to the bathroom? And wipes? Immediate unfollow. I thought she was better than that,” one user joked.
Another quipped, “You mean to tell me influencers use the toilet?!”
Some users took a more sympathetic approach, suggesting she simply order toilet paper online next time to spare herself the public discomfort.
But not all responses were negative. Some viewers sympathized with Gerson, acknowledging that while unusual, the discomfort isn’t entirely unheard of.
“My boyfriend hates carrying TP home because he thinks everyone’s picturing what he’s about to do with it,” one user shared. “It’s such a niche insecurity—I’ve never heard anyone else bring it up until now.”
Another viewer felt seen by Gerson’s video, sharing their own awkward experience in a similar situation.
“I once had to buy a huge amount of toilet paper for work, and people were actually laughing and pointing at me on the street,” they recalled. “So yeah, I get why someone might feel embarrassed.”
Others chimed in with practical advice, suggesting that future purchases could be handled more discreetly.
“Don’t be embarrassed—no one actually cares,” one user commented. “But if it really bothers you, here’s a tip: order your TP, paper towels, whatever, online in a big 30-pack. Problem solved.”
“Nobody cares.” Gerson’s video soon found its way onto discussion forums, where users continued to dissect and debate the post.
