A plus-size woman known for sharing her travel experiences online has fired back at cruel internet trolls.
Victoria Voos, who has gained a following of 55,000 people for her fashion content, has recently started using her platform to talk about her life as a plus-size traveler.
Just a few weeks ago, she posted a video showing herself moving through airport security. The clip has since gone viral, racking up over 28 million views.
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In the video, Victoria highlights Kiziks, a brand of slip-on sneakers, captioning it: “Hands-free shoes make going through airport security a breeze.”
Despite the positive focus, Victoria has been hit with some harsh comments from viewers, though her clever responses have gained even more attention.
Shortly after, she made a follow-up video where she shared some of the most outrageous comments from trolls along with her witty comebacks.
“I like to use humour and sarcasm to deal with them,” explained Victoria, a 33-year-old social media and marketing manager from San Diego, California, speaking to Luxury Travel Daily.
“I’ve noticed that the more angry internet trolls are, the more engaging they become. Responding to them in a lighthearted way not only stirs them up, but it also entertains everyone else scrolling through the fiery comment section.
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“At the end of the day, all that engagement just boosts my profile.
“My clapback videos are a way to showcase my sense of humour to my followers and to encourage others not to let negativity weigh them down.
“I love my slip-on sneakers and I’m sure others will find them just as useful.
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“Many of us deal with social anxiety, and the idea of holding people up in the airport security line makes us uneasy.”
Victoria’s unapologetic attitude toward her critics is something her followers truly admire. As a plus-size traveler, she says the hardest part of any trip is often the flight itself, but she appreciates the policies of Southwest Airlines.
“The toughest part has always been flying, but with Southwest’s customer of size policy, I can travel safely and comfortably,” she said.
“Another challenge I’ve faced is cramped seating in restaurants.
“However, almost everywhere I’ve been is willing to offer alternative seating. It’s all about asking and advocating for yourself, which I know can feel intimidating.
“By sharing my travel experiences, I hope to inspire others to explore the world without fear.”
Victoria’s goal in sharing her personal life online is to empower others and encourage women to speak up for their needs, according to a report by Luxury Travel Daily.
Her viral video showcasing her slip-on shoes also featured some of her most memorable responses to the negativity.
One commenter, Dario, asked: “Did your plane even take off?”
Victoria shot back: “Yes, as soon as it saw me boarding, I must have scared it off.”
Another troll, Ben, wrote: “Ma’am, you can’t smuggle people under your shirt on a flight.”
Victoria quipped: “But I can hide them inside my stomach.”
Steven commented: “This is a sign to lose 100 pounds.”
Victoria, always quick with a retort, replied: “Just 100?”
Supportive comments also poured in, praising her sense of humour.
“They’re just jealous you’re out traveling while they’re stuck in their moms’ basements. Your replies are hilarious,” wrote Cherie.
Justin added: “The replies are gold!”
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