What happened to Eugenia Cooney, and how has Shane Dawson’s latest video helped open up the world of eating disorders?
Like thousands of fans around the world, I’ve been excited for the next Shane Dawson video for months. Although unaware of the topic I had a suspicion it would have something to do with YouTube creator Eugenia Cooney. Sure enough, the topic of Shane’s latest masterpiece addressed the rumors around Eugenia’s YouTube break.
Shane Dawson’s latest series of videos have been unveiling the life of Youtubers, their insecurities, mistakes, and even conspiracies. He’s interviewed such creators as Jeffree Star and Grav3yardgirl, and as a result, has attracted thousands of new subscribers. Shane has been working to break down barriers in regards to mental health, burnout and now eating disorders.
You can watch the video by following this link; Viewer discretion is advised. Image and video content may negatively impact your own mental health.
Please note before continuing;
- In order to keep this post-trigger free, no images of Eugenia prior to her current video will be used.
- This post contains my own thoughts and opinions. You’re allowed to disagree, however, please be respectful.
- I will be linking to some videos. Please take heed of the warnings as some may be triggering.
- I won’t be slandering her name in any way. I simply want to unbox the situation and how I think it has helped the recovery community.
Who is Eugenia Cooney?
Background and her YouTube break.
Eugenia Cooney, 24, is a lifestyle and fashion You Tuber. She began posting videos in 2011 and quickly gained fame due to her ‘unique‘ emo style. However, it appears her style wasn’t her only claim to fame. As much as I hate to say this, her channel also gained significant interest due to her small frame. Although starting off fairly petite in stature, as the years went she only appeared to become smaller and smaller.
Throughout the years Eugenia has been fortunate to have many supportive fans. Many within her fandom have openly expressed their concerns both directly to the YouTuber and throughout the comments. Sadly you can’t have internet fame without having ‘haters‘, and needless to say Eugenia had her fair share. She’s been at the receiving end of not only horrific comments but petitions aimed to get her channel shut down. The reasons for this are usually due to the fact that people believed she was advertising unhealthy weight expectations.
After 6 years on YouTube, Eugenia announced in January 2019 that she would be taking a break from her channel to focus on her health. This was after the release of her final video which sparked concern among the community. Without going into much detail, Eugenia appeared very unwell in her appearance.
You can watch the video here; This may be sensitive to some viewers. Please be aware of your own limits and triggers before choosing to watch.
Throughout her time on youtube, Eugenia never once uttered the words ‘I have an eating disorder‘ or ‘I need help.‘ It seems that she was in denial at least for a portion of her disorder. Her weight was only addressed by other people during live streams, in comment sections, and by other YouTubers.
Shane Dawson Gets The T;
Shortly after Eugenia’s announcement in January ’19, people began asking Shane to make a video about Eugenia’s journey. Never one to let his fans down, Shane complied and I for one am thankful that he did.
He began the video by employing the help of YouTube therapist Kati Morton. Kati did a great job of explaining some facts about eating disorders and gave advice to Shane on how to best approach the subject with Eugenia. I’m well aware that no matter how well placed a compliment, eating disorders can turn them into something they’re not.
“You look so healthy.”
“You’re looking great!”
“You look so much prettier now.”
These compliments can easily be distorted, and ‘Healthier‘ or ‘great‘ can be switched to mean ‘fat’ or ‘bigger.’ It’s therefore extremely important that this was discussed prior to their meeting because it can be very easy to ‘trigger‘ someone without realising it.
“The WORST eating disorder myths” – Kati Morton.
During the video, Shane briefly discusses his own issues around food with Eugenia, something which I felt laid the foundations for mutual trust between him and the younger YouTuber. Although I’m fairly certain Shane didn’t have the same condition as Eugenia, he openly discusses purging after eating and overeating as a means of comfort.
“Eating disorders are so hard because you have to eat to live, right? So my issues with food I struggle with daily because I have to eat. It’s like being an alcoholic and having to drink every day.”
Shane Dawons
They discussed her inpatient treatment, her plans for returning to YouTube and how she aims to use her fame to talk more openly about eating disorders. Afterward, Shane took time to ask Eugenia what she enjoys, what her hobbies are and even stayed to help record a video for her channel. I found all of this very important in breaking up the seriousness of the video, and also reiterates what Eugenia was saying throughout;
You are far more than a disorder.
For the most part, the interview was handled very well. There were only a few minor questions and responses which caused me to cringe. It’s hard for sufferers to understand the disorder and its many triggers, therefore I understand that mistakes are easy to make. Personally speaking, I wouldn’t have been triggered by anything Shane said. However, I can see how a few things could be taken out of context. Especially his comments on his own body weight.
How This Helps Start A Conversation About Eating Disorders;
I can predict an onslaught of YouTubers coming forward and sharing their own stories, which will only work to escalate the conversation started by this video. If Eugenia does start to open up more about her condition and help others as she intended, she’ll be able to reach so many people all around the world. It’s estimated that the majority of Eugenia’s fans are quite young girls, and so she’s now in a position to use her fame to encourage young women to seek help before it’s too late.
All it takes is the courage of one person to share their story in order to start a conversation about eating disorders.
Shane and Eugenia have done just that, and I have no doubt that this will spark a wave of support, compassion, and bravery throughout the online community.
Final Thoughts;
I personally think that Eugenia has taken a big step by talking openly about her problems, both past, and present. In my opinion it’s fine that she doesn’t talk about it more intimately by giving it a title (i.e she hasn’t stated that she has disorder A or B). The main thing is that she’s gotten help. She’s done the inpatient treatment and is currently on her way to recovery. As long as she has acknowledged the issue and is continuing to address it, then that’s amazing in and of its self.
Clearly, she’s still in the early stages of recovery. Yet I’ve already read complaints about her return to YouTube as a way of “glamorizing incorrect recovered bodies.”
I understand their concern.
We don’t want influencers to be promoting smaller, unrealistic ‘recovery‘ bodies because that can be very triggering to a large portion of the recovery community. However, she’s not promoting it. She simply wants to return to YouTube to provide inspiration and help for others, while also enjoying herself with fashion and beauty.
“I think it’s important for people to know that no matter what you’re dealing with, an eating disorder or another mental health problem, that that isn’t who they are. There is more to them than just that and they shouldn’t feel like they’re whole identity is just that one thing. There’s a lot more to people than just what they’re going through.”
Eugenia Cooney
Shane also deserves to be commended for going through with this interview. It’s extremely brave of him to discuss his own eating disorder with the world and to provide a crucial support system for Eugenia in her most vulnerable video yet. For her to be addressing such a personal issue for the first time on YouTube couldn’t have been an easy feat. So to have someone present with a similar experience and understanding would certainly have made all the difference to her.
What did you think of Shane’s video? Do you think that it’s helpful in starting a discussion around eating disorders?
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57 Comments
I loved the way Shane went about it he didn’t push her to say anything too much such as in the Jake Paul video when he started to make out he was something he might not be and he made a real point that she is still in recovery and it’s a long journey!
He did an excellent job! I know he’s just released it but I already can’t wait to see what he does next!
I love all of his stuff! Can’t wait for his next thing x
It’s still amazing to me how the internet provides all this wonderful information and opportunites. Using the internet to serve and help others is pretty awesome. Thank you for sharing and caring.
Thank you for stopping by and reading.
As always, you have provided valuable insights into a sensitive topic. I appreciate all of your disclaimers and cautions to viewers as well as your personal opinions. Itās brave to put yourself out there and make yourself vulnerable as Eugenia has.
Thank you so much and thank you for stopping by and reading š
Can’t wait to watch this! Thanks for the insights on this topic <3
Thank you for visiting š
I think it’s great that she’s acknowledging it and taking the steps (on her own pace) towards recovery!
It’s an amazing and scary thing. Thank you so much for stopping by and reading š
Yay! I’m so glad you decided to write about this! I personally really loved Shane’s video (I’m a huge fan) and I really admire Eugenia for talking about her experiences. I can tell she was comfortable with Shane, but she wasn’t ready to share a lot and spoke in very general terms. I’m sure this was so hard for her to talk about and I really admire her courage. I know some people felt triggered by the video, but I think any video about eating disorders is going to be triggering to SOMEONE, so I felt like Shane wasn’t to blame. He tried his best, and his brand of humor is making fun of himself and his own eating and body issues, so it’s hard to find that perfect middle ground for everyone.
I kind of hope Shane ends up doing a serious about other mental illnesses, just to bring some awareness and lightheartedness to some sensitive and still taboo topics.
Thank you for writing about this! I really enjoyed reading your thoughts about it!
Emily | https://www.thatweirdgirllife.com
I’m in the same boat. I think Shane would be amazing at opening up the world of mental illness to youtube a bit more. I love how, in the video, they show him taking his pills like it’s no big deal. That’s how it should be! No shaming or making people feel bad for taking pills, just acceptance.
Thank you so much for stopping by. I do plan to write about YouTubers again as they are a big part of my life, so stay tuned. š
Great post! I’ve been watching Eugenia for quite some time so I was really happy to see her doing better today on Shane’s post.
I am so chuffed for her but also feel for her because I know all too well the journey she has ahead.
Iām not really up on all the youtube vloggers, but I wish her well! I hope she continues to be well!
This is very kind of you, I wish I knew her so I could pass on all this love.
Very well written. Wishing her and you as well in recovery.
Thank you for your kind words.
I had to watch through so of the video before continuing to read your posts, and I can remember when she first started gaining fame online for her small body frame and I remember thinking how cruel and vicious people were being at that time, most of them were more than happy to see her in some kind of pain rather see her get recovery and wish her well.
I’m happy to hear that she has taken the first steps into recovery and have to agree that in her last video she did look concernedly unwell but for people to say she is trying to promote her body when she has never played on it before is ridiculous! And to go so far to attack her and try to have her removed from something she clearly loved doing is beyond shameful, some people are just too full of hate to see or do anything else.
I think they were both incredibly brave in speaking out and just trying to get it out there without trying to make it, as though that’s all there is to them. I think they approached everything incredibly well and I really do wish her the best with everything <3
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This was such a great and as always, really interesting post! Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us š
I have always just been lurking on her channel but recently I’ve taken to watching her newly uploaded videos and feeling proud that she’s doing this for herself. Not only that but the hate has dwindled and has been replaced by support, which is amazing!
Thank you for reading and watching the video too š
I wasnāt aware of either of these YouTubers, thanks for introducing them and this in a very sensitive manner.
Thank you for taking the time to read. They are definitely both worth a watch!
I was so happy to see how well made this video was when it first came out. As someone who has mad respect for Shane I assumed he would handle it right and he definitely did just that! By discussing and sharing Eugenia’s journey in an open and honest way like this, I am hoping that it will help a lot of others who are also struggling.
Shane went about this in a wonderful way. I was so glad to see someone talking about this, especially in relation to a well-known YouTuber such as Eugenia. I’ve noticed today that she’s getting a lot less hate in the comments and a lot more love, which is amazing!
I was curious about that video of Shane’s but I didn’t watch it because it was too long and various other reasons.
It can be quite triggering which is why I’m glad you didn’t watch it if that was an issue. But thank you for stopping by irregardless.
Iām really not in to watching YouTube videos, I donāt know why, just never been my thing.
But your write up has really made me want to check this out.
Thank you for sharing x
Thank you so much for stopping by and reading despite not knowing anything about the subjects. That means an awful lot to me.
Much love. x
Between us, I have never heard of any of them till seing your post. I’m not a youtuber at all. Being a youtube star made her even more vulnerable and she had the courage to ask for help, well done her. Hopefully, as you said, she will be able to help other girls, if she’s strong enough. I don’t like the celebrety culture but if thier position can help someone…great. https://www.daisyandthyme.com/thyme-to-dress-up-daisys-looks-tips-son-de-flor/
I’ve been worries about her for so long, it was such a relief to see that she got help, and Shane was the best person the makenthis video. I felt he was a bit reckless in his first series with Jeffree where he just warned that it was gonna get “heavy” without actually telling the audience what to brace themselves for (and it turning itno something that absolutely needed a slecifis trigger warning) so I’m glad he had Kati on board and was more careful this time. I’ve been screaming from the rooftops when a photo of Eugenia’s was leaked not to say she looks healthier, so I hope Shane’s video educated people to be more careful with what they say, even when the comment is a well meaning one.
He did fuck up a bit with Jeffree in regards to no self-harm warnings, however, he’s pulled back from that and now knows he needs to add a warning to anything that is going to get heavy. I suppose with that being his first experience with a heavy topic he maybe didn’t know what to do or didn’t think to put a trigger warning.
I hear a lot of crap about Kati but I personally like her and think she has some very valid points.
Iāve watched Shane for years (iām talking way back when he was āshanedawsontvā) and I love how his content has evolved, and that he is covering serious matters such as this! I especially love that he had a specialist come in to give perspective as to what we should/shouldnāt be saying in regards to eating disorders. I know thereās a lot more we could learn, but just sparking the conversation and awareness is a great start!
Nice post! Youtubers have really made so many headlines especially lately. I love Shane, was always a fan of his and I think he handles these things well. Thanks for covering this. I never knew about Eugenia, so I should start watching her so I can understand the situation better.
I have only watched a handful of her videos as a lot of them trigger me due to her small size. Logically I know better than to be jealous, but my brain doesn’t always think like that.
When you expose yourself on the internet, people either love you or hate you. And, besides how sad that is, a lot of youtubers have gone through that same path, where their health is not in the best shape, eating disorders keep happening. I’m glad she got help though. Anyways, nice posts and thanks for sharing your opinion. Have a great day!
Thank you so much for stopping by, I really appreciate it.
I remember around the time that Eugenia took a break there was a lot of chatter and rumours about what was going on, and not all of it was kind. It was the first I’ve heard of her (I’m not up with the cool youtubers) but I struggled a lot with watching people armchair diagnose this person while also being very aware of the vulnerability of her audience to body image issues.
I’ve kept re-reading this post and I don’t think I will watch the video – it’s likely to be too triggering for me. But my two cents for what it’s worth from your reflection;
1) I think her avoidance of naming her disorder is really good and incredibly validating for many in the ED community. So often sufferers can bounce between the diagnoses when in quasi-recovery and it can become invalidating (especially if you don’t completely fit a bracket and get dx NOS – a huge part of why I back #DumpTheScales), I feel that her not naming it opens up validation to the entire community to be validated and realise that they are worth support and recovery.
2) I think it’s good if she wants to get back to creating on youtube. I’m not stable enough right now to check out her channel, so I’m making some assumptions that she’s not promoting unhealthy behaviours and peoples issues are with her body size at this stage of her recovery. Eating disorders aren’t just about losing weight and recovery isn’t just about restoration. If creating helps her on her journey, then it’s likely to help other people around her. While I do understand it can be triggering for some sufferers if they see her as being fully recovered, I think at that point it becomes a case for personal responsibility to avoid her channel until they are at a stage in their recovery that it isn’t likely to trigger a relapse for them.
It’s unfair to restrict another persons recovery journey – unless she starts actively promoting an unhealthy message.
I loved hearing your thoughts about his documentary, and what I really liked was the way he did it. It is very gently made. I never got why people said that she was advocating eating disorder. Sure, we could all see that she was sick, but to my knowledge she never said: anorexia is great! Try it! She just tried to be accepted as who she was, as we all do. Thank you for your thoughts.
She never once promoted the lifestyle – she was clearly in denial throughout her illness, and I even think she’s still in a little bit of denial as to how seriously ill she was. Shane approached this in a very delicate and kind way, which is expected because he always manages to do that.
I think that this is awesome I feel like so many people are afraid to be vulnerable as it isnāt easy but doing so on such a platform which only encourage others and give them hope. Thank you for sharing this I have to check out the interview your write up was well done and I love your consciousness or not triggering others ā¤ļø
Thank you so much for reading despite not having seen the interview. I am always very cautious about what I write or say for fear of triggering someone. x
I just watched his video the other day – so glad to see that she is on the road to recovery!
Did you watch the Jaclyn glenn video on the same day, explains what really happened and how she got into recovery?
Yeah I watched it yesterday. Freaky! I was going to mention her mother and the rumors but didn’t want to start anything. I am very diplomatic lol.
Yes I agree, better to be diplomatic as truthfully unless we know the family, we can’t truly know what is happening. As a mother of a former eating disorder sufferer, I was powerless and helpless to my daughter, I tired sectioning her and they wouldn’t. Thankfully we did get help, but it took years
I am happy that she’s on the road to recovery, and I too believe that she doesn’t need to address ANYTHING to the public if she’d prefer to handle her matters privately – which I applaud her for, as social media can be so demanding towards influencers. Thank you for sharing this!
NellƩ x
Thank you so much for stopping by and reading. It means alot š
I have not seen any of Eugenia’s videos, but I have been following Shane for years so I watched his video with her. I like that Shane talked to Kati at the beginning because it is helpful to know how to approach certain topics and also to think about how good intentioned comments can be miscontrued.
Both Eugenia and Shane are brave for opening up and sharing their experience with eating disorders. I do think the video is helpful in starting a discussion about eating disorders.
After watching Shane’s video I did watch Eugenia’s video she made with him and the one of her trying the Jeffree Star makeup, and like you mentioned she is not promoting a recovery body but just making videos she enjoys.
I’ve heard so many people complain about her coming back and still being underweight. But if her making videos is cathartic for her, then I don’t see any issue. Thank you so much for stopping by and reading pet, I really appreciate it.
Great post! I love how influential people use their āfameā to break the stigma! I watch Shane! But havenāt seen this video before Iāll have to watch!
I found it very well addressed. It was both light heartened but also addressed the issue in a sensitive manner. I think sometimes issues like this need to have an element of light heartedness otherwise we risk it being too difficult for the other person. I get people wanted him to be more serious, but that’s not his style.
I love Shane Dawson but this documentary didn’t really sit right with me. I think everything Kati said was very helpful, especially about things not to say and how to react etc. And it’s obviously amazing and positive that Eugenia is getting the help she needs and has no doubt helped other people through sharing it. But we need to remember that she’s not “cured” or fully recovered. She probably has a huge journey ahead of her still. I also didn’t find it to be particularly informative. I didn’t feel like any of the answers she gave Shane gave us any REAL information about what was going on. Which, if she wasn’t comfortable sharing, that’s totally okay of course but I thought that was the point of the whole thing? I dunno. Something just didn’t click for me x
Shane Dawson can be pretty crazy sometimes, but I also feel that he tries to make things right. I am glad that he did this. I am also glad that for the people he interviewed that were going through some huge issues, he always brought in a professional to do it right.
I personally love him and what he does. It’s wonderful to have someone so genuine want to help people. Obviously he’s a youtuber and trying to get his views, we can’t forget about that, but he also really wants to give these people the chance that they deserve. Apart from Jake Paul, I have my reservations.
The Paul family’s issues are very unfortunate. I hope they are able to get things together. And your perspective on Shane Dawson is on point. He has to get those views, but he has chosen to do some pretty awesome things to get there. I hope he continues the positive trend.
So do I! I’ve loved all his documentaries so far. As I mentioned, and as someone who sort of gets it, Shane needs to get the views in order to pay his way (although, his makeup line may have changed that), so he’s obviously going to try and appeal to a large audience. But I’m glad it’s him and not someone else who perhaps wouldn’t have treated the issue so kindly.
Thank you for stopping in and reading š