Louis Tomlinson criticised for weight loss promotion

Louis Tomlinson has been criticized for allegedly promoting a weight loss website on Twitter.

The One Direction heartthrob has been branded  »irresponsible » after linking his 13.9 million followers, many of whom are impressionable young teenagers, to a web page selling slimming products.

The 21-year-old star’s faux-pas began yesterday morning (11.14.13) when he hailed a smoothie drink from British company Bootea, writing:  »Had an amazing @BooteaUK smoothie from Bootea.com this morning #booteashake. »

However, Louis quickly deleted the offending tweet after fans discovered the website predominantly sells  »intense » weight loss and appetite suppressing diet supplements, including a supposed fat-burning tea.

Charity director Lucy Russell – whose YoungMinds organization helps young people improve their mental health – told the Daily Mirror newspaper:  »It’s really irresponsible and short-sighted of him. Louis has such a huge audience – especially young girls. It’s very silly and remiss of him and the people around him.

 »Three children in every classroom have a diagnosable mental health problem. Louis is a mentor to millions. The ones who are vulnerable are easily led and will be thinking: ‘I’ll buy some of that.’  »

A spokesman for the ‘Story of My Life’ hunk said:  »Louis tweeted about the drink as he had one and enjoyed it. However, he did not realize they are associated with weight loss and would never endorse weight loss products. »