Yazmin Oukhellou is forced to apologise after pretending to be pregnant in 'tone deaf and insensitive' advert plugging her new perfume line

Yazmin Oukhellou has been forced to apologise after pretending to be pregnant in order to promote her new perfume. 

The TOWIE star, 32, baffled fans on Sunday when she shared a video of herself sporting a fake baby bump under a fitted dress to symbolise her 'bringing a new creation into the world'. 

In the now-deleted video, Yazmin cradled her 'bump' before pulling out a perfume bottle and smiling for the camera. 

She captioned the post: 'I’ve been keeping a secret… A new love affair begins.  Introducing AMARA @amarafragranceofficial.

'Created with love, inspired by beauty, and made to become part of your story. Not just a fragrance. A feeling. Welcome to AMARA. ✨' 

Yet the post was branded 'tone deaf and insensitive' by fans, who claimed it made a mockery of women with fertility struggles.  

Fans penned: 'wtf'; 'Unfollowing'; 'Yeah, I'm not sure this is appropriate.'; 'Im confused...'; 'Wtf..... people think this is okay... weirdos'; This is so insensitive!';

'Yeah we dont like women pretending they are pregnant. This is so incentive.'; 'I feel like this is going to ruffle some feathers.....'; 'Abit of a weird advert init'; 'This is insensitive'. [sic].

Within the hour, Yazmin deleted the post and took to her Instagram Stories to issue an apology. 

She explained: 'I just wanted to share an apology regarding a post I recently shared.

'The concept behind the video was intended to symbolise growing something special behind the scenes and bringing a new creation into the world. 

'I never imagined it would mislead anyone or make light of pregnancy, miscarriage or fertility struggles.

'There was absolutely no intention to offend, upset or be insensitive towards anyone. 

'It was shared with no ill intent whatsoever, and I genuinely didn't think it would come across in that way. I'm truly sorry. The post has now been removed.

'I completely understand why it may have caused upset, and I apologise to anyone who was hurt or offended.

'I have nothing but respect for women going through their own journeys. I would never purposely share anything with the intention of hurting or offending anyone.'

Earlier this year, Yazmin did alter her appearance – undergoing a temporal (fox eye) lift, neck and jaw lift and 360 liposuction in Turkey.

At the time, she took to Instagram with a selfie of her bruised and bandaged face and her body squeezed into a compression vest, insisting that she was not 'pushing surgery on anyone' but was instead simply trying to be honest with her fans.

She penned: 'I’ve been going to @serenecosmetic_ in Istanbul for the past 8 years — the only place I trust with my surgeries. The care is always next level, and my surgeon has been amazing, checking in with me daily to make sure everything is on track for the best results'

'I’m not sharing this to push surgery on anyone — I’m sharing because I’d rather be honest than pretend I just woke up like this. 

'I also think it’s really important that anyone considering something like this does their own research. It’s not something to take lightly, and it’s definitely not a decision to rush.

'For me, this has been something I’ve thought about for a long time before choosing to go ahead. Healing isn’t instant, but I know it will be worth it… I’ll keep you updated.'

Before her latest surgery she admitted she was feeling 'nervous' but insisted that she was doing it purely for herself to 'feel better' while saying she will inevitably get trolled for sharing the details on social media.

Yazmin joined TOWIE in 2017 and quickly became a central cast member due to her tumultuous relationship with James Lock. She left the series in 2023.