Susan Powter: Squirted Breast Milk at Man Who Shamed Her Public Nursing
▼ Summary
– Susan Powter squirted breast milk at a man in her ex-husband’s restaurant after he criticized her for breastfeeding in public.
– She was a successful fitness icon in the 1990s, selling millions in products and becoming a best-selling author with her “Stop the Insanity” program.
– Powter lost her fitness empire and declared bankruptcy in 1995 due to bad business deals and lawsuits.
– She has faced financial struggles, living in a low-income senior community and relying on charity for meals.
– A new documentary backed by Jamie Lee Curtis aims to revive her story, with Powter hoping for a properly managed comeback.
Fitness personality and author Susan Powter recently shared a memorable story about confronting public breastfeeding criticism in a uniquely direct way. Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, the former wellness guru recounted an incident from her time living in Dallas, when a customer at her then-husband’s restaurant objected to her nursing her child on the patio.
Powter, now 67, remembered covering herself with a cotton diaper while breastfeeding, aiming to be discreet. Despite her efforts, a man eating a steak turned and told her, “That’s disgusting. Go to the bathroom and do that.” Her response was swift and unconventional. She retorted, “You go to the toilet,” and proceeded to squirt breast milk toward him and his meal. Reflecting on the moment, she noted that no one in the restaurant supported her, which fueled her decision to take that action.
The author of “Stop the Insanity” was once a major figure in the fitness world, known for her high-energy persona and bestselling programs. Her empire generated approximately $50 million in annual product sales at its peak. However, a series of poor business decisions led to financial collapse, and by 1995, she had filed for bankruptcy. In a previous interview with PEOPLE, Powter spoke candidly about the profound struggles that followed, including relying on free meals from a local charity while residing in a low-income senior community. She described the shock of her situation, having gone from immense success to experiencing true desperation.
During the early 1990s, Powter became a cultural phenomenon. Her signature buzz cut, booming voice, and dynamic presence earned her a spoof on Saturday Night Live and a spot on PEOPLE’s “Most Intriguing People” list in 1993. Her compelling personal narrative, a 260-pound Texas homemaker who transformed her life after her husband left, resonated with millions. Followers eagerly purchased her $79.80 program, which included recipes, exercise advice, and motivational cassettes, making her a three-time bestselling author. Her straightforward message challenging the diet industry and her catchphrase about fat contributed to her widespread appeal.
Unfortunately, Powter later realized she had entered into unfavorable agreements with her business partners, leading to extensive legal battles throughout the decade. She watched her remaining finances gradually disappear. Last year, however, a new opportunity arose when filmmaker Zeberiah Newman approached her with the idea for a documentary, “Stop the Insanity: Finding Susan Powter.” The project gained support from actress Jamie Lee Curtis.
Powter told PEOPLE that the public’s reaction to the film and her story has been incredibly positive and heartwarming. Curtis expressed her admiration, stating that Powter’s story is one of a woman whose power was unfairly diminished and dismissed, and that her fight to reclaim her life is as much a part of the American dream as her initial success. Speaking to Today, Powter admitted she felt “broken” when first contacted about the documentary but now sees it as a potential new beginning. She hopes to replicate her past success, this time with proper management, and is looking forward to having another chance to make an impact.
(Source: People)