Uhhhhhh.
I just woke up to a slew of comments on facebook after posting the Hannah POPstar of the Week story.
MAJOR.
DRAMA.
What.
For those of you who did not read the story below, I just deleted it. Last night “Hannah” tweeted me a before and after pic of herself claiming that she lost over 120 lbs and tagging it #OMGOctober. I was running a little contest at the time for free fitness journals if anyone tweeted me a pic that could make me go OMG! Well, I was stunned, super happy, and direct messaged her back saying congrats and asking if she could send me her inspirational story.
I started instagramming the pics she sent me and collaged it for facebook. It was the wee hours of the morning when I began sifting through the comments and noticed that there was A LOT of controversy over whether this was even the same person or not. At the time, I was like, “Of course this was real! Hannah tweeted me herself, sent me pics, and we exchanged some very nice emails. No POPster would ever lie about a weight loss journey! That’s insane. Time for bed!”
When I opened my eyes today around 9am – it was a wake up call I will never forget.
You can’t trust everyone.
And I know most of you don’t know me on a super personal level, but I tend to trust what people tell me because I have faith in the fact that you’d act responsibly as would I. When people ask me a question, I give a straight answer. When I ask a question, I expect you to do the same. Unfortunately, not everyone works like that. I assumed that since we are a close-knit community of POPsters working out together all over the world that we’d have some kind of special relationship that would prevent matters like this. In fact, I never once even thought this could happen! EVER.
I really am sitting here in my bed with my laptop on my pillow pretty upset and overwhelmed.
Why?
Well firstly, I was tricked. I feel betrayed. Secondly, I take responsibility for sharing this “fake story” with thousands of you guys. Therefore also fooling thousands of you guys. So I’m sorry. Thirdly, the girl whose picture was used came forward and said she was hurt. Which made me feel horrible. Fourthly, reading all of the comments saying that I “knew” this was a fraud and that I should be ashamed of myself and that “whoever is running this website” shouldn’t be so “sloppy” with her work…omg…(sorry this is now turning into a feeling post)…I started crying. Because I put a lot of love and effort into everything I do. A lot.
Guys, I don’t really know what to say except that this is just me running this blog (that’s why I don’t sleep) and I have so much faith and love for you guys that I don’t question what you write to me. I take it as truth. I mean how can I not? Do I really just write back and be like “Oh and btw, this isn’t a fake weight loss story right? Just checking! :-) Congrats on your success if it’s true!”
I don’t have a team of people doing background checks and managing what I post – it is just me. And today I have learned that I have to be careful. As a blogger, I hold a lot of responsibility in my hands when I relay information and well, I didn’t see this coming. AT. ALL.
So I guess I need to quickly get out of this fantasy world of believing what everyone tells me and do more investigation before I post. Thanks to everyone who teamed up on facebook to bring the controversy to light. I really appreciate the effort to seek truth.
As of now, I do not know who “Hannah” really is. She did not email me back. She deleted her twitter account. And is now gone from the face of the interwebs as far as I know.
I really don’t understand why anyone would post a fake weight loss story. What does that do for you? I don’t know the girl (or guy?) behind the Hannah computer, but whoever you are, I want you to know that I don’t blame you for doing any of this because I believe everyone has a background story as to why they act they way they do, I just ask that you do not do this again. Especially because it not only hurts you, but it hurts A TON of other people. Best of luck to you.
And to the people in the collages I posted on facebook (now deleted) I am sorry your pics were used. I am happy that one of our POPsters noticed that one of the pics was a pic of her friend Melissa Marchetti. To Melissa, I apologize if any negative feelings were felt as a result of all this. I am so proud of you for your weight loss – I know it is a tough journey – but such a rewarding one. If any of you would like to read Melissa’s weight loss story, you can see it here on MyFitnessPal.
Yeah, so I am pretty shocked still. It’s sad that now I have to look at every tweet, comment, and email with a different eye. A cautious, investigating eye. But I guess it’s good that we all learned TOGETHER and saw TOGETHER what can happen here on the internet. No worries though, I totally love you, and have faith in all of you.
I have some inspirational stories lined up and will try to get those up this week for you. And I’ve actually met both of these POPsters in real life. HOW’S THAT FOR A BACKGROUND CHECK!!???
Hope you’re all having a fabulous day! If you would like to meet some members of the wonderful Blogilates Community, please take a look at the stories below:
REAL POPstars of the Week:
<3 Cassey
This truly is horrible that someone would make this up but of course it is not your fault.
Not knowing you well at all but still it is obvious that you’re an incredibly positive person who believes in the best in everyone. Unfortunately not everyone is that trustworthy – a big shame.
You are a fantastic instructor who has help me trim up my body through your videos
Huge fan
- Mette
Cassey, you are a wonderful person, a minority in this vile world.
Don’t let that troll change your good heart!!
Stay strong, stay happy, keep sharing us your precious health tips.
God bless you.
<3
Excellent pieces. Keep posting such kind of info on your page.
Im really impressed by it.
Hi there, You’ve done a great job. I’ll certainly digg it and in my opinion
recommend to my friends. I’m sure they’ll be benefited from this website.
It’s not your fault Cassie!!!! The girl shouldn’t have told you the fake story, the person should be ashamed of there selves, but like you said there’s probably a background story of why that person did it. I love you Cassie and i’m glad you do all these fun workouts on youtube!!!! See you at your next work out video !! Bye!! <33
First of all I am new and I think your awesome! Everyone makes mistakes and its a good trait to want to look for the good in people. I found you on Instagram and live strong women, while trying to find a workout best suited for the goal I set for myself. Being a beginner its hard to figure out in what direction to go in or how to even start! Keep doing what your doing because your workouts are great and you are a beautiful person! Inside and out and it’s nice that you also not only blog about being healthy and exercise but you give of yourself too! And I love your motivational shirts :)
Cannot believe started to accuse you of being behind this! What a bunch of a-holes! Dw cassey, those people are few and far between! And as for Hannah… Grrrr she makes me mad but I’m sure she is dealing with her own hardships and insecurities, I feel sorry for her. Love you- chin up!
I don’t understand what someone will get from these rubbish fake weight loss stories. Here Cassey learned a lesson and so I had. It’s really hard to believe such stories now.
Feel so sorry for you cassie :(
Don’t lose faith in us! We love what you do and I hope you only absorb all the positive things that are said about you, because you really are an amazing person! Anyone can make mistakes, and the people you should care about understand this.
Lots of love from Sweden,
Stina
That sucked. But it’s cool how you see everything positive and you don’t start blaming people. I try to do the same. You are such an inspiration and we all appreciate how much you share with us. I personally couldn’t imagine being that fit and strong for free before I found the blogilates community!
As for why someone would do that, people have issues and someone maybe thought this would be funny. Or that they would get back at someone by doing that. Anyway, what’s done is done and you shouldn’t worry about it.
Keep up the great work you’re doing for us! By the way, when is the app coming out?
Woah, Cassey, this is so not your fault! I cannot believe people thought you would do this on purpose!! You are the sweetest most honest person on the internet :)
I am sending you a ginormous bear hug across the Atlantic and ordering you to turn that frown upside down. It may also cheer you up to know that my boyfriend did your Gangnam Style vid with me – it was the funniest thing I have ever seen in my life, so thankyou for that hehe!
xxx
I just wanted to leave a comment and say u r awesome and incredible!:) everyone makes mistakes and thats what makes them grow. I’m very touched with ur trusting and honest personalty, and please dont lose it with a faith in people cus thats ur gift as well as a gift to others. You encounter different people in your life with all sort of things positively and negatively but they make u become yourself:) Be the type of person you want to meet or you become the person you dont like, haha! Keep up ur work!<3<3
Wow, that is insane-balls.
You did nothing wrong hun, forget about it. You are an amazing, wonderful, kind and generous woman who gives so much to this community. There’ll always be people out there who want to take something from you, but there’s more who want to give back to you.
You are a strong and intelligent woman for focussing on that.
You go girl! Love ya!
Elise xx
It is pathetic that someone did this form of trolling to you and I am really sorry you have to question your community of followers. The internet is not the place where only truth lays in wait and I am bitter against this person who ruined your outlook. I hope you do not become over stressed by this incident and I also hope you have not lost some trust in the rest of us. Personally I have not posted often and I do not know if you will read this but it is very important to me that you remain/become a stronger person. You are an amazing woman and I know there will be so many more women and men looking for a person to look up too and you are one of the best (which in itself can be hard and you do not have to choose to be that person). Have a great, well-rested, and harmlessly busy October Cassey.
Sincerely Tanya Frey/yammabubble
cassey, i love you no matter what. don’t mind them. you are a beautiful person, inside & out. i just found your youtube channel 3 weeks ago, i knew then that you are a hardworking person. creating the calendar isn’t a joke. creating videos and maintaining a blog by yourself is never easy. you’re work is NEVER sloppy. you’re even talking to us through your videos. we work out with you and even though we can see that you’re already tired, you can still manage to smile and say DON’T STOP. you’re providing us everything. i’ve tried a lot of personal trainers but none of them worked as great as you, none of them gave me the undying motivation like you do. keep up the good work, cassey. we’re at your back. thank you for everything! :)
ps; i’m currently loving the banana pancake :)
Cassey, you’re beautiful and amazing and just simply put, a jar full of delight. The way you handled this situation increases my respect and love for you. Take it lighter as we move on, and continue to send positive thoughts to “Hannah,” as I know it’ll be what heals any emotional wounds for you.
Love all the way! I’ll be giving you my real success story soon :)
I love you!
-Catt
I agree. I appreciate how you responded to the situation. Love you!
Cassey,
We appreciate all the hard work you do :) The nay-sayers can complain all they want, but the truth is, they have absolutely NOTHING to really say. What you do, what you’ve been investing yourself in – on this website, in your life – is all because you want people to be healthier, feel more fit, and improve their lives, done out of the goodness in your heart. “Sloppy”? Puhh-lease! I feel pretty confident whoever said that is not some NASA software engineer, so they should maybe cool their jets! :) You rock.
Besides, you’ve taught thousands of people to both love and hate burpees – that is the work of a true genius! <3
Don't sweat for the small stuff – just sweat for the workouts! :]
Much love and many thanks,
Erica
I happened to join your blog & Facebook page on the day you posted the unfortunate Hannah story. Prior to joining, I had a good feeling about you as a person based on your personality while enjoying the videos on YouTube (which is why I joined your blog and liked you on Facebook). All that to say that when I read the Hannah story and saw the aftermath and how professionally and kindlly you dealt with it, (complete with an unnecessary apology, from my point of view) it makes me like you even more as a person and convinces me that I joined a community with good hearts run by a person with a great heart. Thank you for doing what you do and being an inspiration to all of us. And PS – my tummy’s already looking flatter and stronger after a mere two weeks of your videos!! :)
Cassey,
We have your back. Plain and simple. When you tell us to keep pushing and keep going, it pulls us through. And now, please let all of our positive words be what pulls you through. We love you…for all that you have done for us and for all that you continue to do. Consider this experience a set of extreme burpees haha. They suck, but you know in the end that you are better off because you got through them…and you did it with a smile.
Love ya,
Anna
Cassey… I just wanted to thank you for all the things you do for us, I really appreciate your efforts, It’s really sad to hear all of this, just remember that things happen for a reason, and I’m pretty sure that all of this is just gonna make you stronger. You are an amazing girl. you are a blessing in our lives :) <3 <3 <3 or at least in my life, thanks for everything!!!!!!!!!!!!!
you Rock n__n'
Cassey!
ugh!! what is wrong with people! I know that must have really upset you (well obviously) all you do is try to help people and try to showcase someone’s success and there’s no way you could have seen that coming. You have so much support from your fans, a huge apology really wasn’t necessary… anyone could have been duped, even with a “team”
so head up sister, and keep being you ;)
Just to piggyback on this (which I agree totally to): is what is there to gain from this. A question you’ve probably are asking yourself and hopefully the person behind it can get honest with themselves and figure it out.
Thanks Cassey for the time and effort you put into sharing parts of your life, exercise video, tips, and soo much more. Rather you know peps personally or not-there is many of us who care. Keep your head up hon!
Cassey,
Like several others, I read your blog religiously but never comment. But I felt compelled to say something today. I just feel so terrible that this happened to you. There are terrible, dishonest people out there and that is not your fault. You should not have to apologize for being who you are. The world needs more honest and trustworthy people like you, don’t change who you are because of this.
Hello Cassey!
That is shocking and I can not understand how some people can just use the trust of others just like that and throw it away.
Don’t beat yourself up about what happened. It is not your fault. You were just trying to give all of us a little extra motivation and tried to show us that with hard work and determination, we can achieve our goals. It is a shame that the story ended in such a way and it will be a lesson to all of us. But please don’t think that it is your fault! It is ridiculous that people blame you, it is just not fair!
Your Blog is amazing, and I absolutely enjoy reading it and can’t believe that someone described your hard work as coming of “sloppy”. Also your workout videos are very very helpful especially as they don’t require any extra tools and you can easily do them between your study break, before or after work.
Don’t be too harsh on yourself!
Keep smiling.
xoxo
hi Cassey,
please take this positively.
such things are bound to happen…it is the karma cycle.
Such things happen because the nature feels that it would act as an eye-opener.
But you are strong and you have support from all of us. Don’t take this too seriously , but seriously enough…please!
Prepare for the worst things that can happen before they actually happen. Imagine what people can do worst – everyday as a mental exercise for few minutes. Spend some time reading on internet how people betray others using the internet and available technologies. This is a sincere opinion because as you grow more, there will be foes who would act bad. You must put efforts in getting stronger.
But don’t ever feel that this world is filling with negative people… don’t fall, don’t ever give up. You have invested so much in building this community and we will be always there to support you and to give you anything we could.
Love you Cassey.
Hi Cassey!
Don’t feel bad girl, I would had make the same mistake as you because I also tend to trust people. Truth is it happens, not everyone is a good person. But that doesn’t mean that you should feel bad. I really think most of us (your POPsters) understand that it was a small mistake, WE LOVE YOU! you are still that sparkling motivation that makes us suffer day after day :) hahaha
take care!
Ana Perez
Dear Casey, I know how you feel. Believe me. As the owner of my own blog where I share my weight loss tips and translate articles from English and post my own BEFORE/AFTER pictures, I also encountered this. My own picture of my weight loss was abused. When I was searching the net, I found much more pictures, fake pictures claiming, that the lady “before” changed her body into the lady “after”. When I found my own picture next to the picture that is not mine, I felt absolutely angry. I mean, how can one do this? And the question should be WHY? WHY people do this. You can see my original post here http://mojetelo.blogspot.cz/2012/07/den-91-promena-po-trech-mesicich.html and this is what I found on the internet, that led me to the same forum you meantioned above. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=477677498918704&set=pb.420667764619678.-2207520000.1349259569&type=1&theater
Of course, I put those pictures together, to see that somebody is “having fun”. Same girl on the left, but different one on the right. I also felt like a fool, when I found one of those pictures on other forums. People told “her” how beautiful change she made, but the girl was not the one in reality who made the change. So I tried to make it clear to everyone and found the “owner” of these pictures on myfitnesspal. WHoever did it, cancel the membership there. Please, people will always act like this. We will always be surrounded with stupidity, arrogancy, liars and cheaters. Don’t let them hurt you. Say “f” word several times instead and forget about. I know you had to make it clear, but be strong :))) Sorry for my English, I’m from the Czech Republic, so I am sending greetings to you and your true fans :))) Nikki.
Hi Cassey!
I’m so sorry to hear what happened, I really don’t understand why people are doing things like these…
I hope Hannah feels good about herself now and had a good time. because the thing is we give her just one tiny moment of our time, to feel compassion for her and hope that one day she will be able to grow into a loving and compassionated person herself. THERE, that was my little moment for Hannah, and now I go on with my life and never ever think of her again! :D
I’ve personally had some issues with believing people and then being fooled by them, I’ve even been to the police to report ‘identity fraud’ because someone was pretending to be me on the internet, creating lots of problems.
But you know what, you didn’t do anything wrong,au contraire!, you have a good heart and thats why people may sometimes abuse that. I understand you will want to be more careful from now on, but please don’t change who you are, there are too little genuine people/souls on this earth and those shouldn’t be spoiled by uneducated, low on loving ability persons like Hannah. Keep on doing what you do and keep on being who you are because you’re gorgeous, beautiful, inspiring and, and, and, words lack!
Keeup up all the good work Miss. C! (even though my abs, butt and legs hate you right now…haha)
Hi Natalina,
I agree with every word of yours in the above comment.
Cassey – I would repeat a line from her comment that please don’t ever ever ever change who you are… we love you the way you are now and hope you will always be the same… A loving, caring, inspiring and a down to earth person.
You know down to earth people can inspire maximum people because maximum people love to be so instead of being celebrities.
You know I would look up to you rather than Madonna or Britney spears. Do you know why? Because there are lots of people behind them who have lifyed them so much; but you have done it all alone just with the help of a yoga mat and a camera!!
Please dont change the way you are.
Love you!
aww Cassey.. please don’t be upset over this! popsters know how genuine, sincere and down to earth you’re as a person. we will always be behind your back and supporting you!
x, Kara
Hey Cassey. :)
I know this is random but i just had to tell you!
I’ve been eating clean and exercising regularly. and i accidentally had a YOLO night last night. Read a good book, had a bun and some biscuits and i feel SO bad! Is this just considered a YOLO thing or? Ahhh! :(
Hey Cassey!
When I saw you mention this on instagram I was like WHAT I need to know what happened! And as I read your post, I could tell how upset you must’ve been. I trust pretty much anyone (unless they look creepy) and so when something like this happens I kind of stop and think why would they do that. And then I get angry and a little upset, so I could totally relate to your post!
At the end of the day, all that matters is that you don’t get bogged down by this, and the unnecessary negative feedback you received. Don’t be upset! You’re gorgeeeeouusssss! I mean, I keep telling all my friends and family about you and how you’re so amazing and how successful you are! I really look up to you, you inspire me! And Popstars everywhere!
Love you Cassey! <3
Cassey Honey,
I love how much you care.
I guess something like this had to happen at some point, not all people are so honest and nice like you!
Hope you’ll be feeling better soon.
You are giving so much for this community, we all love you <3
xoxo Denocte
Cassey, I can understand why you must feel hurt and betrayed. Being a genuine, honest and positive person yourself it must be difficult to accept as a fact that other people can be disposed to lie, cheat and decieve. But please don’t feel ashamed. You do not deserve any blame for this ordeal. You have a positive and optimistic spirit and you want to believe the best about other people. I too make the “mistake” of trusting other people easily without question or doubt. A lot of people do.
To me, your work does not come off as “sloppy”. Never. You’re hardworking, energetic and truly inspirational. The truth is, very few people can do what you do. It takes great determination and a lot of effort and it is very appreciated!
Don’t let the negative comments bring you down. Keep smiling and stay optimistic because your honest and cheerful attitude is the most beautiful thing about you and one the reasons why you’re able to inspire so many people. Much love <3
i second every bit of that post!
+1000!!! :) We love you!!
Cassey!
You most definitely should not be feeling bad about anything right now! You are wonderful, amazing, fantastic, and awesome in so many ways. Instead of focusing on your own life 24/7, you take the time to create videos so that the rest of us can benefit. You share recipes with us, you tell us about your personal experiences, and you help us in so many different ways. Even while you go through your own life and face your own challenges and tribulations, you still manage to be a ray of sunlight in our lives, guiding us and motivating us to keep working so that we can one day be as awesome as you! I know that we take you for granted a little bit. So thank you Cassey. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for every little thing that you do for us! We LOVE you very very much <3
If anyone should be feeling bad, it should be that awful person who had the nerve to steal other people's images in order to have her little 5 seconds of glory. (Assuming she is a girl.) I hope that wherever she is, she is repenting for her misdeeds right now. To steal people's photos and then claim their glory is one thing. To then take advantage of someone as wonderful as you, Cassey, and then somehow make you into the scapegoat is a complete other thing.
Whoever "Hannah" is/was, I hope that she is very sorry for what she has done.
Don't feel bad about anything Cassey.
None of this is your fault.
Keep your head held high and just keep being the chipper, wonderful Cassey that we all know and appreciate so very much! <3
~Alice
Ainfinitaire
P.S. Kudos to Melissa regarding her amazing weight loss! That takes a lot of dedication and devotion. She should be very proud of the journey she has gone through! :)
Wow I’m super sorry this had to happen to you. Some people are just desperate to win something and end up acting like scumbags to get what they want. True story..
Cathy Trails
Wow! I haven’t been on the internet for most of the day. So, I didn’t even know this was going on. I’m so sorry this happened. We all have been fooled before. All you do is learn from this and move on.
Like other have said don’t beast yourself up. You are a great person. Cassey appreciate all your hard work. You give us so much for free. We can never really repay you for all that you’ve done for us.
Hey Cassey,
you don’t have to be so hard on yourself. You’ve helped a lot of people and one publicity seeker cannot take your achievements away from you. You just keep up the good work girlie. :)
Hey Cassey! Don’t beat yourself up about it! It’s not your fault for wanting to believe the best in everyone <3 people shouldn't be angry with you about making a mistake. You are still mine and a TON of other popstars inspiration and we love you :)
I am glad everything got sorted out Cassey, never feel bad cos what you have done for us – popstars – is something we can never give back. Motivation, Inspiration and will power to push through those hard core work outs! I love you always! Dun be too harsh on yourself !!!!
Aw, Cassey, It makes me so sad to hear you so hurt. You do a fabulous job of running this blog and Youtube channel. They are some of my favorite websites. Anyone can be lied to, but please keep your open, sweet, and trusting attitude. We all love you that way! <3 Get some rest.
i totally second that!
well, except the “one of my favourite websites” because yours is my one-and-only favourite website :)
Hey, don’t worry about all those people blaming you for posting this. If I was in your position I would of believed “her” aswell. I mean its such a wierd thing to fake as the person who did it isn’t really gaining anything from it. I just find the whole thing a bit strange :/ anyway chin up :) lv u!! Xxx
Hey Cassey. Don’t feel bad, okay? This is totally not your fault!! Besides, everyone makes mistakes. You’re still amazing Cassey to me! <3
Cassey, you know what? It was an honest mistake and it isn’t your fault. Whoever pulled this stunt with you should be ashamed. You’re such a sweet person and you honestly care about all of your POPsters. I’m sure most of us would never have known that it was a fake story. Mistakes happen. Just keep your head up! Love you!
I just found your sight a couple weeks ago and was drawn to it because of how genuine you seem. Please, do not let this one person get you down. I promise your reputation has not been tarnished.
Dearest Cassey,
There is NO need for you to apologize for trusting people. I found your site 2 months ago from fitnessista & have been checking in daily. Your positive attitude inspires me continually. Thanks to the encouragement in your videos I believe I can become fit in my 40′s. I know you are doing your best to oversee your blog, FB page, Twitter & everything else that’s ALOT for one person! You give your absolute best daily to total strangers as you offer encouragement & teaching. You are admired & appreciated!!!!
First time commentor on your blog. Sorry this happened to you. I am a REAL success story if you ever want to connect with me, I’d be more than happy to share my story!! I went from 190 lbs, size 14, 36% body fat to 132 lbs, 16.8% body fat and a size 2 :) And I didn’t starve myself!
Chin up! It was an honest mistake and anyone making a big deal out if it, on your part, should be ashmed – very catty and not necessary!
Aww, Cassey! I’ve been morally indignant for you all day! My friend once described me as the “most sincere person she knows.” I think that you’re the same as me, and all the blogilates girls get it too! So, please don’t worry too much! I have a theory that people rush to push down beautiful, strong, successful women because they’re intimidates. I’m so sorry that they can’t get inspired by you instead, like we do. Blogilates is a community that lifts each other up, not tear each other down.
i totally agree!!! love u!
Cassey,
I never comment, but I just had to tell you that you are awesome!! Reading this article made me so mad at this “Hannah” and then people had the gall to blame you for it. Ridiculous. I don’t even know you, but I can tell you are such an inspiring and enthusiastic person that I wish I did. Please don’t feel bad or take this drama to heart. Just see it as a lesson learned (I also tend to be rather trusting). You have helped so many people, myself included, that this situation won’t matter in the long run. Know that you’re loved and keep doing what you do, baby boo! :]