Although it hasn't even been two weeks since Summer House star Lindsay Hubbard shocked everyone with her surprise pregnancy, the reality TV star has already encountered one of the most universal experiences facing new and expectant mothers — unrelenting, unsolicited criticism.
In fact, this isn't the first round of judging Lindsay has faced since she announced she was expecting via Instagram, in a pair of posts on July 4 and July 5.
Almost immediately, Linsday was taken to ask for her pregnancy announcement itself, since the Instagram posts in question were sponsored in a partnership with home pregnancy test brand ClearBlue.
Within one day of breaking the news, she was "defending herself" against social media backlash, while simultaneously fielding endless questions about her ex, Carl Radke (who is not the baby's father):
"In an Instagram Story on Friday, July 5, the 37-year-old reality star shared a post from another social media user that read, 'Lindsay would have to make a pregnancy announcement at some point, so why not cash in?
"'What was she supposed to do? Say no, to keep the bitter internet hags happy?'"
For her part, Lindsay brushed off the sanctimonious pushback and quipped about the pregnancy: "My expenses just doubled so ... Let's goooo!"
"Unsolicited advice" to new and expecting moms is a well-documented social nuisance, and a 2022 Vice piece about the issue concisely explained why it's annoying for anyone who hasn't experienced this barrage of veiled criticism firsthand:
"From random people on the street, to well-intentioned friends, relatives and strangers on parenting groups on Facebook, you will likely receive a barrage of tips on your baby’s nursery, toys, food, doctors, habits – you name it.
"I felt enormous pressure to do the right thing, even when I received just too much information to be able to understand what that meant."
But it wasn't very long before the same "bitter internet hags" emerged again, with a new objection about how Lindsay is handling her pregnancy.
Lindsay Was Criticized For Filming 'Summer House' While Pregnant
On July 14, ten days after the first of her two pregnancy announcements, Lindsay shared the Instagram post embedded above.
It was pretty standard Instagram content from a newly expectant person, and at first glance, you might not pick up why fans of Summer House were hassling Lindsay.
A number of Summer House viewers chimed in with negative remarks, accusing her of over-promoting herself or posting too often, and another person vaguely grumbled:
Don't like her.
Instagram comments sections are a notorious magnet for haters, so some negativity is par for the course.
However, one repeated theme emerged in the comments on that particular post — namely that some fans thought it was improper for Lindsay to film Summer House during her pregnancy.
You'd expect such feedback to be couched in terms of her health or the health of her unborn baby, but it decidedly wasn't.
These comments were not phrased in a way that sounded like sincere concern; rather, they were straight-up judgy:
"Shouldn’t be [on] summer house. Doesn’t make sense with all the crazy partying."
"Please stop showing your stomach."
"No desire to watch. Although I know 'it’s her job' 'contract' etc. I watch this particular show for the fun antics. Not interested in a pregnancy for a storyline. So wish them a successful season but it’s a 'skip this year' for me 😩😩"
"Respectfully, not sure why you would go back into a party house? You’re in a different era, sister."
On top of that, the exact same commenters would probably have taken her to task if she'd ceased appearing on Summer House because of her pregnancy, deeming such a decision lazy or self-centered.
It was a bit of a strange comments section in that respect — it's not uncommon for people to feign worry about pregnant people, but a lot of comments showed no hint of sincere concern.
They could best be summed up in one short, critical remark on her post:
Nobody wants to see a pregnant girl partying[.]
But it wouldn't be a heated comments section without some counter backlash, and several fans jumped in to defend her.
Those commenters mocked the notion that Lindsay's Summer House filming schedule was unbecoming during her pregnancy, potentially harmful, boring, or otherwise anyone's concern but hers and Bravo's.
Several parents also left comments encouraging Lindsay to enjoy her summer and to ignore the haters:
"These comments are hilarious @lindshubbs it’s like [you're] made of glass and about to break at any moment! WHY can’t she be in the summerhouse while pregnant? 🤷🏻♀️"
"All these people hating on @lindshubbs for getting that $$ and enjoying her last summer without kids. 🤦🏻♀️ I'm 40 with a two year old and we've been festi besties since she was born. These people aren't making or breaking you so go on with your bad self. 💕"
"Since when can pregnant people not post pictures? And we can’t continue working / being with friends when pregnant now either? Damn. 🤦🏼♀️"
It should go without saying that it's none of anyone's business whether Lindsay Hubbard films Summer House while she's pregnant or not, and pregnant people continue working and living their lives all the time.
However, Lindsay herself said it best in a reply to one commenter: "Can you not party when you're pregnant?"
Source : thethings.com
