An Australian bikini brand has come under fire for sharing a video of a male model posing in a women's swimsuit, almost a year after Seafolly suffered a similar fate over its collaboration with non-binary influencer Deni Todorovič.
Moana Bikini, a swimsuit brand owned by body positive influencer Karina Irby, shared an Instagram video on Saturday showing model Jake Young strutting around in a $130 white swimsuit.
“I'm obsessed with this look,” the account captioned the post, adding that “Moana babe” Jake was modeling a size S.
Since then, numerous angry customers have commented on the video, with many accusing Moana Bikini of “allowing men to invade women's spaces.”
“Is this a man? I thought you were about empowering women? Men seem to try to take over everything that is sacred to women. “Our safe spaces, our identity and now our fashion,” one user wrote.
Australian swimwear brand Moana Bikini has come under fire for sharing a video showing male model Jake Young (pictured) posing in a women's swimsuit
“I'm sorry but Moana, that's not how you empower women.” “This is once again giving men power over us and saying they can do better,” someone else added.
“Terrible marketing.” Why is everyone trying so hard to be “woke”? “The model is beautiful but this isn't it,” another added.
Many commenters simply said they had “unfollowed” the page and would no longer purchase Moana products.
Since then, numerous angry customers have commented on the video, with many accusing Moana Bikini of “allowing men to invade women's spaces.”
Moana Bikini has reiterated its decision to share the video.
“If Jake in our bikini upsets you so much, we feel like this might be your problem,” the brand wrote in a reply to one dissatisfied follower.
Jake has also defended himself, insisting his post “gives power to a minority”.
However, instead of apologizing, the Moana page reiterated its decision to share the video. Pictured: Moana Bikini founder and body positive influencer Karina Irby
Jake has also defended himself, insisting his post “gives power to a minority”.
“There are many different types of women.” “Women with different anatomy than what you consider 'normal,'” the model wrote in a comment.
“I am not a woman and have never said so.” This post simply strengthens a minority and I am eternally grateful for that. Your hatred is a reflection of your own insecurities, not mine.'
Several followers also rushed to defend the video and praise Moana for her “commitment to inclusivity.” One commented: “Obsessed!” Thank you for always being considerate with your sizing and models! The main reason I will always support your brand.”
“The perfect combination of male and female beauty!” another gushed, while someone else added: “Swimsuits are for anyone who wants to wear them.” Why does someone in a swimsuit bother you so much?
When asked for comment, Moana Bikini stood by the video.
“We find it quite absurd that people would cherry-pick this one, single post from our 12 years in business to make a wild statement about our lack of advocacy for women,” a spokesperson said.
“Moana Bikini is – and always has been – one of the most inclusive and empowering brands in existence.” This extends not only to our size and style range for women, but most importantly, our love and acceptance of all races, ethnicities, Body shapes and sizes, genders and sexual orientations. That hasn't changed and never will.'
They continued: “Many commenters use the excuse that they think it's 'insulting to women', when in reality it's quite clear that they are homophobic and have a problem with someone expressing their sexuality proudly and confidently.”
“We welcome people’s feedback – both negative and positive.” But we’re not here to please everyone. This is an impossible task. If people aren’t happy with this individual post from a proud gay man wearing something he feels confident in, they can just keep scrolling or unfollow, right?”
“Imagine living a life where you choose to be offended by something and stick with it, commenting and engaging, only to find yourself getting more and more annoyed. To be honest, this sounds like a problem of theirs, not ours.”
The saga is particularly similar to the uproar in March last year when swimwear brand Seafolly collaborated with non-binary influencer Deni Todorovič.
Deni, who uses the pronouns “they/them” and identifies as non-binary, caused controversy after posting a photo on Instagram of herself wearing lime green bikini bottoms and a matching cover up near Bondi Beach.
“This is the first time legendary Australian swimming giant @seafollyaustralia has collaborated with a trans ambassador/brand partner,” Deni innocently wrote under the image.
They later changed their caption to read: “Today we made history.” “This is the first time legendary Australian swimming giant @seafollyaustralia has collaborated with a trans person.”
The photo sparked widespread backlash, including calls to boycott the brand, which has previously used models such as Miranda Kerr and Gigi Hadid in its glamorous campaigns.
Writer Alexandra Marshall was among those who spoke out against the campaign, saying the swimwear brand was “mocking women”.
“Bye @seafolly. Never again. I have been buying swimsuits from you for many years. “Never again,” she posted on Twitter.
Seafolly later denied Todorovič was an ambassador for the brand, saying they were a “special guest” at the brand's World Pride event in Sydney.
The saga is particularly similar to the uproar in March last year when swimwear brand Seafolly collaborated with non-binary influencer Deni Todorovič (pictured).