Featured Image Credit: Honey Birdette
Topics: LGBTQ, News, US News, Transgender
Amelia Jones
A lingerie brand has been forced to respond after it featured a non-binary model in its advertising, prompting a horrendous backlash.
Luxe lingerie brand, Honey Birdette, defended its use of the image of non-binary burlesque performer and model, Jake Dupree, wearing its products online.
The controversial image was shared on the company’s Instagram page, showing Dupree wearing the brand’s Ruby three-piece lingerie set.
Soon after posting, however, the comment section of the post filled with hateful comments, as well as right-wing commentators sharing their opinions on Twitter.
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Rita Panahi, a right wing commentator and opinion columnist, took to Twitter and branded the post as a #fail.
The post, which has been liked almost 17,000 times, has now restricted commenting.
Comments on the post are reported by Hypebae to have discussed what it means to be a ‘real’ woman and drew other controversial opinions.
In response to the backlash, Honey Birdette spoke out in solidarity with model, Dupree, and the non-binary community.
They edited the post's caption, defending their decision to include Dupree, and reiterating the brand's zero-tolerance stance on hate speech and bullying.
The caption read: “UPDATE: Honey Birdette fosters an inclusive and diverse environment, and we will continue to use our voice to empower and support the LGBTQ+ community, women, and anyone who wants to feel fabulous in our lingerie.
“While thoughtful and constructive discussions are important to push culture forward, hate speech and bullying will not be tolerated on our channels.
“Comments of this negative nature will be deleted. @jakedupree, you are so talented and have our full support! ”
DuPree responded: “Thank you so much for posting these photos! @MaxBronner and I had so much fun collaborating on this. As a non-binary person, it really means a lot to see this support!?”
This criticism comes just days after Dylan Mulvaney hit back at the trolls in the aftermath of her recent campaigns with Nike and Bud Light, which unfortunately attracted a mass of criticism and hate.
Although the trans activist does nothing but promote love and positivity on her platform, in recent weeks she has faced criticism and hate from trolls, thanks to endorsements with some major brands.
The 26-year-old revealed that Bud Light sent packs of the beer featuring her face on April 1 as a way to celebrate her first full year as an 'out-and-proud trans woman'.
Then, Mulvaney partnered with Nike to promote their new range of sports bras and leggings, announcing her collaboration with the brand via Instagram, with a tongue-in-cheek story of the content creator working out.
Unfortunately, Mulvaney's partnerships didn't go down well with critics and trolls online - including trans woman Caitlyn Jenner - and the TikToker received tons of backlash and transphobic abuse.
Jenner said: "As someone that grew up in awe of what [Nike co-founder] Phil Knight did, it is a shame to see such an iconic American company go so woke!"