Forever 21 included sample of a diet bar in some customers' orders, sparking a social media debate

Business Insider/Jessica Tyler

• Forever 21 included diet bars with customers' orders as part of a third-party promotion, sparking a debate about whether or not the promotional move incited fat-shaming.
• Some customers said the marketing move sent a message implying that they should lose weight, while others said they would be happy to get a free Atkins bar in their order.
• "This was an oversight on our part and we sincerely apologize for any offense this may have caused to our customers, as this was not our intention in any way," Forever 21 emailed INSIDER in a statement.
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Forever 21 included diet bar samples with some customers' online orders, prompting an internet debate about whether or not the promotional move incited fat-shaming.

The promotion came to the attention of social media users when Forever 21 customers who bought plus-sized clothing noticed the Atkins bar included with their order.

Read more: We went shopping at Forever 21 to see why the retailer is reportedly considering a major turnaround plan

It was later revealed that the diet bar samples "were included in all online orders, across all sizes and categories, for a limited time," according to a statement Tuesday from the clothing company. The samples have since been removed, the company said in the statement.

"This was an oversight on our part and we sincerely apologize for any offense this may have caused to our customers, as this was not our intention in any way," Forever 21 emailed INSIDER in a statement.

Some Twitter users said the "oversight" still sends a negatively implied message, despite what items were included in the order.

Atkins said in a statement to USA Today that the brand is more so focused on a "lifestyle nutritional approach where everyone can benefit from overall health and wellbeing," versus the weight loss element that is typically associated with their products.

"The intention of sampling Atkins products is to share snacks that taste great with optimal nutritional benefit," the company continued in the statement.

In contrast, others tweeted appreciated the company's marketing tactic and said they would be happy to receive a free Atkins bar with their order.

Nonetheless, not all customers ended up with a diet bar in their orders. One customer tweeted that a razor was included in the order instead.