A preferred model is going through backlash after asking an influencer to return a bassinet when her child died.
Final 12 months, “So You Suppose You Can Dance” alum Brooklyn Larsen was gifted a $1,700 SNOO sensible bassinet in change for tagging the corporate, Happiest Child, in any associated content material she shared. Larsen’s sister, Kenna Bangerter, wrote in a since-expired Instagram story that the corporate “demanded” she return the tools after her son, Rocky, died proper earlier than delivery in November 2024.
Bangerter mentioned the request was made as a result of Larsen was not capable of fulfill the promotional settlement.
“I would like you to consider why she couldn’t ship the content material,” Bangerter wrote. “I’m completely disgusted by a BABY model who promotes help for mothers & infants — that doesn’t even have the decency to offer her the area to grieve the bassinet she by no means bought to fill.”
Bangerter mentioned that different manufacturers have handled Larsen’s state of affairs with “grace & empathy and never like a transaction.”
A spokesperson for Happiest Child tells TODAY.com in an unique assertion that the corporate “sincerely” apologizes for the “misguided and ill-conceived communication” despatched to Larsen’s administration from considered one of its crew members.
“We can not specific extra emphatically our deepest sympathy for what she and her household have been by means of following the lack of her son,” the assertion reads, partly. “What was meant to be an effort to supply help clearly was a mistake that added to Brooklyn’s grief, for which we’re actually sorry. We now have taken inner steps to ensure it by no means occurs once more. What Brooklyn confronted was a tragedy past comprehension, and we’re heartbroken for her loss.”
Larsen and Bangerter didn’t reply to a request for remark from TODAY.
Many individuals, together with fellow SYTYCD alum Witney Carson and Allison Kuch, have been leaving messages on Happiest Child’s social media accounts expressing their outrage.
“Very disillusioned in your model and the way in which you will have dealt with the state of affairs with Brooklyn. Be higher for future moms. Misplaced me as a buyer and supporter,” Carson wrote.
Added Kuch, “Disgusted by the dearth of human compassion & empathy.”
Happiest Child was based by Dr. Harvey Karp, a pediatrician and youngster growth professional, broadly identified for his strategies of soothing infants. Karp’s SNOO makes use of light rocking motions and white noise to imitate the calming results of being within the womb.
To mark the three-month anniversary of Rocky’s passing, Larsen posted a tribute on Instagram in February.
“I get up each day, and for a number of seconds, there’s a way of bliss earlier than it hits me — he’s gone. Rocky wasn’t simply in my head. He was right here; I birthed him, and now he’s gone. Folks’s worst nightmare is my on a regular basis actuality,” she shared.
Larsen expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of help her household has acquired, and concluded her publish by celebrating what she referred to as a “small” win.
“Ordering my drink at present, the employee requested for my title for the order, and I so naturally and shortly mentioned ‘Rocky.’ She regarded up at me with the largest smile and mentioned, ‘That’s the best title,’” Larsen wrote. “I smiled and mentioned thanks; it’s my son’s title. I’d begin utilizing his title extra like that — it felt good.”
