Italian fashion designer and digital entrepreneur Giulia Nati, 32, sparked controversy with a mock IV drip connected to a Hermès handbag.
The New York Post reported on the video, which shows Nati in bed with an oxygen mask on her face, connected by a tube to a reddish-pink Hermès handbag resembling an IV drip. The clip also features seven luxury Hermès purses and has received over 17,600 likes.
However, the video faced backlash, especially from cancer survivors, including actress and breast cancer survivor Carolina Marconi, who criticized it as insensitive.
Nati acknowledged Marconi’s feelings, respecting her resilience, and clarified her video as light-hearted. She shared her connection to cancer through her mother-in-law.
YouTuber Týnuš Třešničková defended Nati, applauding the video’s creativity and criticizing the lack of humour among internet users.
The debate escalated with others sharing their personal cancer experiences. One person, identifying as the child of a cancer patient, called Nati’s post more hurtful than funny. Another suggested empathy, recommending a visit to oncology wards to understand the seriousness of cancer.
Nati addressed the controversy in an Instagram Story and pointed out the disparity between likes and negative comments. She noted that 17,700 people liked the video, while only 2,000 of the 2,700 comments were critical.
