Podcaster Amanda Hirsch has found herself at the centre of controversy following an insensitive social media post that drew considerable backlash. The host of the popular podcast “Not Skinny But Not Fat” used the high-profile Lindsay Clancy trial in a sponsored advertisement shortly after the case concluded in a mistrial. In the wake of public outrage, Hirsch issued a heartfelt apology.
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The incident unfolded when Hirsch published an advertisement for Polymarket, an online betting platform, right after it was announced that the jury in the Clancy trial had failed to reach a unanimous verdict. In her now-deleted post, she mentioned predictions for a not guilty verdict, provoking a strong reaction from her followers and the wider public.
Acknowledging her misstep, Hirsch took to Instagram on 6 August to express her regret. In her statement, she described her previous post as “completely insensitive” and acknowledged that it was a severe lapse in judgement. “Posting about the Lindsay Clancy trial in the same breath as a brand partnership was completely insensitive, wrong, and out of character for me,” she wrote, explaining that she failed to appreciate the gravity of the situation.
The emotional impact of the trial weighed heavily on Hirsch, a mother of two, who had been following the case closely. “As a mum, this case has really affected me. I’ve been following it so closely, talking about it constantly, and feeling heartbroken over every part of it,” she said. Her apology conveyed a sense of reflection, as she admitted to losing perspective and failing to recognise the inappropriateness of her actions: “I should have known better, and I feel sick that I didn’t see that in the moment.”
Hirsch’s initial ad had prompted swift reactions from her audience, with many expressing their dissatisfaction over the callous tone of the sponsored content. Comments circulated on social media where users decried her decision to monetise a sensitive legal matter. One user remarked that the partnership was “the most insane” example of sponsored content they had ever encountered, while another described it as “insensitive and distasteful”.
The Clancy trial itself has been a focal point for national conversation, as Lindsay Clancy, 36, faces charges relating to the tragic deaths of her three children in January 2023. While Clancy admitted to killing her children, she pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, with her defence team arguing she was suffering from postpartum psychosis.
The trial ended in a mistrial after jurors deliberated for nearly six weeks without reaching a unanimous decision; the jury was reportedly split 11-1, leading the presiding judge to declare a mistrial. Following this outcome, prosecutors have the option to retry the case, with a hearing scheduled for 29 September to discuss the next steps.
Hirsch had previously expressed her thoughts on the case and the broader discourse surrounding maternal mental health on social media. In a video posted in August, she stated: “What women go through during pregnancy and postpartum is INSANE mentally, physically, psychologically. Moms need to be heard, understood, supported, and taken care of.” Her advocacy for improved maternal support underscores the complexity of the issues at play in the Clancy case.
In her apology, Hirsch made it clear that deleting her post would not erase the impact of her words. “I know deleting it doesn’t erase it. Believe me, I’m horrified by the choice I made, and please know this lapse in judgement does not represent who I am as a person,” she stated. The public has responded, with mixed feelings; while some appreciated her apology, others remained critical of her actions.
As the dialogue surrounding Lindsay Clancy’s case continues to unfold, it serves as an important reminder of the sensitivities involved in discussing tragic events, particularly those connected to mental health and motherhood. Hirsch’s experience highlights the fine line that influencers must tread between personal opinions and the responsibility that comes with their platform. Through this ordeal, it is hoped that a larger conversation on maternal support and understanding will emerge, ultimately leading to positive change.