Jennifer Aniston's COVID-Themed Christmas Ornament Is Causing Controversy
I Finally Tried Jennifer Aniston’s Famous Face Mask — and It’s The Most Comfortable One I
At long last, it's back in stock at Amazon.
As the world continues to deal with the devastating effects of the coronavirus pandemic, people aren't quite ready to make light of the global health emergency. Jennifer Aniston was reminded of this reality, after sparking controversy on social media with a COVID-themed Christmas ornament.
On Friday, the actress took to her Instagram Stories to show off her Christmas tree, and zeroed in on a wooden decoration that read, "Our First Pandemic 2020." Critics found Aniston's holiday sarcasm to be highly insensitive, especially considering that many families were forced to skip their annual celebrations this year due to the rising number of cases.
"Cheers to our first pandemic of 2020, where millions of people died! let’s celebrate that on a Christmas ornament!" one user mockingly wrote. Another asked why Jen was "talking about 'our first pandemic' like it's a baby shower."
However, many defended the Friends star, reminding fans that she used her celebrity status to encourage people to wear masks and promoted small businesses that were facing financial hardship because of lockdown measures amid the pandemic.
Back in June, Aniston posted a PSA about the importance of wearing a face-covering on Instagram.
"I understand masks are inconvenient and uncomfortable. But don't you feel that it's worse that businesses are shutting down … jobs are being lost … health care workers are hitting absolute exhaustion. And so many lives have been taken by this virus because we aren't doing enough," she wrote alongside a photo of herself sporting a black mask. "I really do believe in the basic goodness of people so I know we can all do this. BUT still, there are many people in our country refusing to take the necessary steps to flatten the curve and keep each other safe."
She finished her note, urging her followers to "please just #wearadamnmask and encourage those around you to do the same."