Nicole Arbour is a controversial YouTube star who is constantly pushing the limits and often finds her videos receiving public backlash for going over the line. That was once again the case in May, when the comedian, singer, and actor decided to give her spin on Childish Gambino’s popular video for “This Is America.” Arbour attempted to turn the video into a feminist anthem of sorts, but it fell flat and the reception was nearly all negative.
It wasn’t the first time that Arbour has been on the wrong side of an internet mob, either. And, quite frankly, she often deserves the criticism for the poorly thought out videos.
Take “Dear Fat People,” for example. Some of you can already see where this is going.
In September 2015, Arbour posted a video bearing that name to her YouTube channel. The video drew criticism for fat-shaming and was briefly pulled from YouTube. Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Ashley Graham was among those who spoke out against the video, labeling it “downright disgusting.”
Arbour eventually went on an apology tour, but that also fell flat. She defended the video during an appearance on The View by claiming it was simply “satire” and not meant to be taken seriously while doubling down on those claims during an interview with TIME.
“I find seeing someone’s head being blown off offensive … I find children starving in a country with more than enough food offensive. I find women’s bodies being mutilated for religious purposes, that is offensive to me. But words and satire I don’t find offensive,” she said.
Arbour was eventually fired from her job as a choreographer for an anti-bullying video for kids.
Prior to her YouTube fame, Arbour was a cheerleader for the Toronto Raptors and made an attempt at having a music career.