Squatty Potty Surge: Health Experts Reveal Why the 2026 Bathroom Must-Have Is Flying Off Shelves

Consumers searching for the viral “Squatty Potty” toilet stool woke up to troubling headlines this week after federal prosecutors announced that company co-founder Robert “Bobby” Edwards has been indicted in Utah on charges of receiving child sexual abuse material. According to the unsealed indictment, investigators allege Edwards knowingly received explicit images and videos between March 2021 and November 2025, a period that overlaps with the brand’s continued growth in big-box retailers and online marketplaces. The arrest is a jarring development for a product best known for light-hearted marketing and a memorable 2015 “Shark Tank” deal. Squatty Potty rocketed to national fame by promising to improve bathroom posture and reduce constipation through a simple ergonomic footstool. Viral unicorn-themed ads amassed tens of millions of views, turning the St. George, Utah start-up into a household name. Edwards, who no longer holds an executive role in the day-to-day business, pleaded not guilty during his first court appearance. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison for each count. The indictment does not implicate other members of the Edwards family or the current Squatty Potty corporate leadership, but brand analysts say reputational fallout is inevitable. In a brief statement, Squatty Potty’s current management stressed that “the alleged conduct is abhorrent and entirely unrelated to the company’s operations,” adding that Edwards has had no operational authority since 2018. Retail partners, including major pharmacy chains and e-commerce giants, have not yet pulled the product from virtual shelves; however, several crisis-communications experts predict intensified scrutiny of influencer partnerships and holiday marketing plans. Public reaction on social media has been swift, with “Squatty Potty arrested” and “Robert Edwards charges” climbing search-engine queries. Some longtime customers expressed shock, while others said the news will not deter them from using the stool, citing its proven health benefits recommended by gastroenterologists. Industry watchers note that scandal arrives as competition in the bathroom-wellness category heats up. Brands such as TUSHY and Step-and-Go have ramped up advertising, hoping to capture consumers reconsidering their loyalty. Still, Squatty Potty’s patented design, wide retail distribution, and cult-like fan base mean the product is unlikely to disappear overnight, even if sales experience a short-term dip. The next court hearing is scheduled for March 11 in U.S. District Court, where prosecutors are expected to present additional digital-forensics evidence. Meanwhile, SEO trends indicate that searches combining “Squatty Potty,” “Shark Tank,” and “child pornography charges” are surging, suggesting the brand will remain in the spotlight as the legal case unfolds.