Gwyneth Paltrow is a divisive figure in Hollywood, to say the least. Those that love her liken her to an almost guru-like status. And those that don't, well — not so much.
Recently, Gwyenth's former second-in-command, Elise Loehnen, posted an Instagram reel about the dangers of wellness culture. It's since begun fueling speculation that Gwyneth may be creating a toxic work environment for her employees.
For the past 14 years, items that have been sold under the Goop lifestyle canopy include things like beauty products, clothes, as well as a candle that smells like Gwyneth's vagina — retail price $99.
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Now, however, the accusations are coming straight from the top and are being hurled by Gwyneth's former second-in-command — Elise Loehnen.
Elise was also known to make regular cameos on the failed Netflix series, The Goop Lab. She worked closely as Gwyneth's #2 for seven years before resigning in 2020.
But after recent comments made via Instagram, it now appears that Elise had other motivations for leaving. Mainly, a toxic work environment.
Elise explains how she had started to feel that "cleanse" had become the new buzzword for "diet" and that she felt as if she no longer had a healthy relationship with her body.
“Wellness culture can be toxic,” Elise said poignantly. “I’m just trying to get to a place where I can again be in conversation with my body.”
Speaking proudly and confidently, Elise proclaimed how she was tired of constantly feeling as if she was punishing herself by abstaining from certain foods. That she would no longer fight to remain under her body's natural weight.
This is far from the first time that the legitimacy of Goop's wellness guidelines has been called into question. Some have even gone so far as to label Goop a “considerable health risk” to the public.
Since 2019, more than 140 Goop employees have quit in order to pursue other professional endeavors. When asked their reasons for leaving, the overwhelming majority cited low pay, a "mean girl vibe", and claimed that Gwyenth herself was toxic.
Could Elise have been fired? Is it possible that the whole story about a book deal is nothing more than a rouse to save face? Only time will tell.
