Set Active Founder Lindsey Carter Faces Backlash Over Alleged 'Toxic' Workplace and Body Shaming Comments

The Los Angeles-based activewear brand Set Active, founded by Lindsey Carter, is facing intense scrutiny following allegations of a toxic workplace culture and disparaging remarks about plus-sized models made by its founder. Multiple former employees have come forward, detailing alleged 'inappropriate' text messages, a pattern of favoritism, and a chaotic work environment that has contributed to high turnover.

Allegations of Disparaging Remarks

A screenshot of a text message, allegedly sent by Carter, surfaced on a Reddit forum for Set Active customers. In the message, Carter appears to state that using a "plus size model takes away from the effortless cool girl vibe we are trying to emulate." Former employees confirmed the text originated from Carter, describing such comments as not uncommon.

One former employee told the Daily Mail that Carter would "conveniently" pass over campaign images featuring curve models, stating, "It's not the vibe, it's not what we're going for." The alleged text message made employees uncomfortable, with one describing it as "awful, heartbreaking and really inappropriate."

Workplace Culture and Employee Experiences

Sources describe the environment at Set Active as having high turnover and a culture driven by Carter's desire to be perceived as "cool." Former employees used terms like "soul-sucking" and "miserable" to describe their experiences. Allegations include Carter playing favorites, leading to an environment where some employees felt like "second-class citizens."

"Lindsey played these crazy favorites with people, where all of a sudden she would love bomb them, make them her best friend and then everybody else in the office were kind of second-class citizens," one former employee stated. Another described the atmosphere as "catty."

Despite Carter's public statements about inclusivity and creating a connected community, former employees suggest that Carter herself hinders the brand's potential. The company holds a 2.8 out of five-star rating on Glassdoor, with recurring complaints about poor morale, an "emotionally volatile" environment, and disorganized leadership.

Brand's Rise and Past Controversies

Founded in 2018, Set Active quickly gained a following among influencers and celebrities, including Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner. The brand reported significant sales achievements, including $1 million in sales in one hour for its resort collection in May 2025 and $1 million in four minutes for its Valentine's Day collection in early 2026. The brand is estimated to earn approximately $20 million in annual revenue.

This is not the first time Carter and Set Active have faced public backlash. In 2023, Carter drew criticism for a TikTok video announcing that Set Active "no longer has a social media team," which led many to believe staff had been laid off. Later, she faced backlash for a TikTok video criticizing workers who left at 5 p.m. and advocating for staying late.

Additionally, a limited-edition Breast Cancer Awareness Month collection, "Set for a Cure," where only two percent of sales were donated to the Susan G. Komen foundation, was accused of "pink washing." Set Active eventually increased its donation to $95,000 after initial backlash.

Set Active and representatives for Carter did not respond to requests for comment from the Daily Mail.