Susanna Riva In recent days, Tony Effe 's name has reappeared on Instagram feeds, not for a new track, but for a steady stream of running videos. The performer, known for his presence in the Roman trap scene, has opened a secondary account where he shares clips almost exclusively from his running sessions.
The change immediately caught the attention of fans, but the real reason behind these workouts is much more personal.
Tony Effe's Running Journey: A Fight Against Marijuana
In his new digital space, the rapper explained that running became his answer to the cravings related to a twenty-year marijuana addiction.
In the past, it wasn't uncommon to see him smoking up to four joints a day, a routine he's decided to abandon and replace with intense cardio. As he wrote on his profile, "When I get the urge, the urge, I go running: it's my way of fighting addiction." Running has thus become his public diary of a battle with substance abuse.
The jeans video and the carb controversy
The narrative shifted when, shortly before attending the Diesel show during Milan Fashion Week, Tony Effe posted a video showing off the jeans he'd worn for the event. They were a women's size 26, corresponding to a 38 on the Italian scale, which he described as "a women's size 26, do you understand? Slaves to food, slaves to carbohydrates and sugar." The statement, shared with thousands of followers, immediately caused a stir.
Reactions and online debate
The comment was widely interpreted as body shaming disguised as fitness motivation. Users criticized the attitude of those who, from a position of privilege, use their physical fitness as a yardstick for others. The debate also addressed the impact these words can have on younger people, who might internalize the idea of being "slaves" to sugar or carbohydrates. Several voices emphasized that quitting smoking and exercising are sincere choices, but they shouldn't serve as a platform for denigrating those who have a different relationship with food or their bodies.
Tony Effe's case illustrates the fine line between sharing a personal wellness journey and spreading offensive messages. While his decision to quit marijuana was admired, his statement about "food slaves" fueled a heated debate on social media, demonstrating how quickly a health-related gesture can escalate into controversy.