A lingerie brand has responded to the uproar on social media after using non-binary model Jake DuPree in a campaign.
Back in April, luxe lingerie brand Honey Birdette took to Instagram to share a photo of a non-binary French model wearing the Ruby three-piece lingerie set, which included a bra, lacy panties, and a garter belt.
However, the comments section was quickly littered with hateful critiques from trolls, with some people referring to DuPree as having a "mental disorder" and accusing the company of hating women.
Eventually, the backlash became so horrendous that the company was forced to issue a statement on the social media platform.
Read the statement below:The Australian brand wrote under the picture of DuPree in the red lingerie set: "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!" they added.
The post has now restricted commenting.
Additionally, the Burlesque performer shared their own words on Instagram, stating that despite the vile remarks, they are tougher.
"Days like this are tough, but I’m tougher. Thank you for so much love and support today! I heard from so many of you, and I genuinely appreciate all your kind words…and some funny comebacks that really made me laugh," they wrote.
"Putting yourself out there is always open to criticism and different opinions, but I think there’s a kinder, more understanding bridge to be built between those differences," they continued. "I'm going to keep pushing to make my dreams and goals come true, and I know that comes with challenges that are far beyond my control."
"I know kindness and respect go a long way, and those two things will always outshine hate! So wear what you want to wear, be who you REALLY want to be, and have as much fun as possible doing what makes your heart happy," they added.
Many voiced their support for the model in the comments section, with one user writing: "Oh honey you’re a star. People who dim themselves feel the need to try & diminish your light. Keep shining babe."
Another said: "No one can take you down. You shine brighter than any nasty comment or action. You’re a rare gift, Jake."
A third commented: "You’re so freaking cool and we need people like you. The loud haters aren’t the majority."
The situation mirrors the fierce backlash against trans influencer Dylan Mulvaney after she shared promotional photos with sports clothing company Nike.
Mulvaney - best known for her 'Days of Girlhood' TikTok series - uploaded a picture of her sporting leggings and sports bras as part of her paid collaboration. Unfortunately, she received a flood of hate for her partnership, with users claiming that the brand shouldn't endorse a trans woman.
However, the Sportswear company came to her defense instantly by sharing a statement on the importance of creating a positive community for its customers.
"You are an essential component to the success of your community!" the company said in a statement, pinned to the top of the comment section of its April 3 post. "We welcome comments that contribute to a positive and constructive discussion: Be kind, be inclusive, encourage each other."
"Hate speech, bullying, or other behaviors that are not in the spirit of a diverse and inclusive community will be deleted," it added.
And they're right! Hate has no place anywhere, no matter who you are.
