McLaren called out: plus-sized influencer demands bigger seats in sports cars

There’s no denying it: curves are in, and body positivity is here to stay. But sometimes, the world isn’t quite ready to accommodate all body types. 

Gracie Bon, a 27-year-old plus-size Panamanian influencer with an impressive 10 million Instagram followers, has sparked a fiery debate around body positivity, accessibility, and the limitations of design in a world that doesn’t always cater to larger bodies.   

Supercars, super problems  

In the now-viral clip, Bon, who reportedly weighs 225 pounds (roughly 103kg) with a 55-inch rear ("an ass as big as your Samsung TV in your living room")  is seen struggling to sit comfortably in the sleek McLaren.

While she manages to squeeze into the seat, her curves make it impossible to close the door, prompting her to film a tongue-in-cheek plea to the car manufacturer: "Supercars should be for everyone." 

Now, let’s be real for a second: McLarens (and other sports cars) are not exactly known for spacious interiors. They’re designed for speed, performance, and a slim, aerodynamic build. 

But Bon’s comment about inclusivity isn’t entirely off the mark. Should brands that cater to ultra-luxury markets also start considering the needs of their plus-size customers?  

While some Instagram users sided with Bon, others came for her with harsh critiques like, “If you want space, buy a G-Wagon, not a supercar,” and, “The world doesn’t revolve around you".  

Whether you agree or not, Bon’s point is making people rethink how products, everything from cars to airplane seats, are designed for the “average” consumer.  

Accessibility and inclusivity  

Bon’s size-related struggles extend far beyond McLaren’s narrow seats. The influencer has openly shared experiences of feeling excluded in everyday spaces, from amusement park rides to commercial airline seats.  

In an Instagram post in February, she described how she required two seats on Disneyland rides and was met with stares and even filming from other guests.

“I couldn’t believe my eyes. People were shocked to see my body, like, hello, this is America,” she wrote, highlighting that nearly 40% of Americans are plus-size, yet the infrastructure doesn’t always reflect this reality.  

On another occasion, Bon called out airlines for their cramped seating arrangements, which she feels unfairly excludes plus-size travellers. Her solution was to buy a private jet. 

While her approach may not be relatable (or realistic) for the average person, her frustration is widely shared by many people worldwide who have encountered similar challenges.  

Body positivity vs practicality  

It’s 2025, and the body positivity movement has made great strides, encouraging people to embrace diverse body types and reject harmful societal standards. 

Celebrities like Lizzo have played a significant role in normalising larger bodies and pushing for more inclusive representation in media and fashion.

But even as the world becomes more body-positive, practicality still comes into play. Critics argue that certain industries like luxury sports cars or amusement park rides simply aren’t designed to accommodate every body type.

After all, McLaren’s primary focus isn’t comfort or inclusivity, it's speed and performance.  

On the flip side, brands that fail to adapt to the growing demographic of plus-size individuals risk alienating a significant portion of their customer base.

Are we missing the point?  

While Bon’s McLaren video may seem like a lighthearted stunt, it highlights deeper societal tensions. The backlash she received, with comments like “That poor car!” and “The world doesn’t revolve around you!”, reveals a lingering stigma toward larger bodies.  

Bon’s response to the criticism was equally thought-provoking: “I can’t just wake up one day and be skinny. People need to realize that not everybody looks the same, and that’s okay.”  

So, what’s the solution? While it’s unrealistic to expect every product or service to cater to all body types, there’s room for improvement in industries that have traditionally excluded plus-size individuals.