“I Don’t Get These Dudes”: Plus-Size Model’s Viral Bikini Photos Spark Conversation On Fatphobia

Erin Marley Klay used her social media platform to spread a message about body positivity and empower women after being body-shamed over her bikini photos.

On Tuesday (July 8), the plus-size model took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a series of photos of herself wearing a string bikini on the beach. The post went viral, garnering 75 million views and thousands of replies.

While many responses were positive, others criticized the 24-year-old for her curvy image, telling her she should wear a one-piece swimsuit instead of a bikini.

Erin used her viral moment to speak to plus-size women who feel insecure about wearing a bikini or who were affected by the criticism directed at her.

Plus-size model posing confidently in a white dress outdoors surrounded by greenery and brick walls.

Plus-size model Erin Marley Klay clapped back at critics who body-shamed her online

Image credits: erinmhk

In a follow-up post, she wrote, “Pls don’t let society’s preconceived notions of what is beautiful and what’s not stop you from living your life. What someone says about your appearance reflects on them alone, not you.

“You have to realize someone with so much hate in their heart is far more miserable than you could ever be wearing a bikini at the beach. Get out there.

Erin Marley went viral after posting bikini photos on X, which were seen by 75 million users

Plus-size model in a floral bikini smiling confidently at the beach, embracing body positivity and clapping back at fatphobic critics.

Image credits: erinmhk

Plus-size model in orange floral bikini confidently posing on the beach, embracing body positivity and clapping back at critics.

Image credits: erinmhk

“If I can handle massive hate on this scale (and kindness!!! Of course!!!) then you can wear that bikini to the beach, go to the pool, try out a new hobby, wear the jeans you’re insecure about, and enjoy your body to the fullest this summer,” she added. “I’m not letting it stop me.”

Erin received many complimentary comments, but also criticism for wearing a bikini

Plus-size model in an orange floral bikini at the beach, confidently addressing fatphobic critics with a strong gaze.

Image credits: erinmhk

Screenshot of a tweet replying to a low carb diet recommendation with a humorous clap back message.

Image credits: paulmakesmovies

Screenshot of a social media post featuring a fatphobic comment about a plus-size model clapped back at online.

Image credits: n1ckfuentes

Screenshot of a tweet with a fatphobic comment, highlighting backlash against fatphobic critics targeting a plus-size model.

Image credits: Ted04536250

Erin began modeling at the age of 21 after catching the attention of an agency, Zion Models, on Instagram.

Since then, she has worked for major brands such as Nordstrom, SKIMS, Selkie, Wet n Wild, and House of CB.

At 18, she experienced a similar incident when her photos went viral and triggered a wave of body-shaming comments. At the time, she didn’t feel confident enough to clap back.

“When it happened, I laid low for a while and let it blow over. I was somewhat unequipped to deal with so much perception over the way I looked,” she told People magazine.

“Someone with so much hate in their heart is far more miserable than you could ever be wearing a bikini at the beach,” she shared

Plus-size model wearing floral dress confidently poses outdoors, clapping back at fatphobic critics with bold expression.

Image credits: erinmhk

Now, she says she’s “glad” to be confident enough that “such a large discourse had little effect over my self-worth.”

Instead of “responding cattily to hate comments made by men who would never have the gall to approach me in real life,” Erin chose to focus on “all the women telling me how much me being confident in my visibly plus-size body meant to them.”

Plus-size model with long hair smiling indoors, wearing a lace top and cozy knit cardigan in natural light.

Image credits: erinmhk

The model explained, “Seeing other people with my body or people with insecurities feel even a little bit better by me putting myself out there is what keeps me going.”

Additionally, she admitted that the “discourse” surrounding her bikini photos “has been nothing short of insane.”

Erin encouraged other plus-size women to wear whatever they want and “enjoy their bodies to the fullest this summer”

Tweet from plus-size model encouraging confidence despite fatphobic hate, promoting self-love and body positivity this summer.

Image credits: erinmhk

Tweet text from plus-size model clapping back at fatphobic critics, promoting self-love and challenging beauty standards.

Image credits: erinmhk

Plus-size model responds to fatphobic critics with empowering message about self-love and confidence in a bikini.

Image credits: erinmhk

She said the negative comments stay online and that she hasn’t experienced any issues when wearing her bikini at the beach.

“These people would never have the courage to spew such hate in real life.

“No one is looking at me, wondering why I’m wearing a bikini and not a one-piece, or picking apart my body. 

“Have people probably insulted me in their head but kept it to themselves? Sure. That just means they’re normal about it.”

Erin started modeling after catching the attention of an agency on Instagram

Plus-size model in beige bikini confidently posing on the beach, embracing body positivity and clapping back at fatphobic critics.

Image credits: erinmhk

However, the modeling industry is far more “daunting,” as Erin put it. When she started, she would let her own insecurities “hold her back,” not wearing outfits she liked or skipping certain events.

Erin shared: “While my confidence and feelings of self-worth have grown exponentially since then, there are things you can’t control in this industry.

“From top agencies deciding to no longer represent curve models to brands discontinuing their plus sizes, and even agencies telling you to your face, ‘Big girls aren’t booking well right now,’ you can have all the confidence in the world yet the fatphobia and diet culture is so ingrained in our society that it’s hard to break through sometimes.”

Plus-size model in black crop top and shorts taking a mirror selfie, confidently addressing fatphobic critics.

Image credits: erinmhk

The LA-based model believes the best way to challenge negative stereotypes about plus-size people is to keep wearing whatever she wants and posting whatever photos she likes on social media.

“I plan on being in your face whether you like it or not. I’ll take as many jabs at my appearance that are necessary if it means I can shift the scales even slightly in the favor of representation for everybody. I can take it. In fact, I welcome it.”

Social media users praised the model for confidently wearing her bikini on the beach and encouraging others to do the same

Screenshot of a plus-size model’s Twitter reply clapping back at fatphobic critics, expressing confidence and self-love.

Image credits: IMterriblyvexed

Plus-size model responding to fatphobic critics in a social media post with a supportive message.

Image credits: starzyskye

Plus-size model confidently responds to fatphobic critics, promoting body positivity and self-love on social media.

Image credits: LucyDreamz2z

Tweet from Hubert Mayr addressing fatphobic critics with a plus-size model clapping back at hate comments online.

Image credits: HubsMayr

Tweet replying with support for a plus-size model clapping back at fatphobic critics, promoting self-confidence and body positivity.

Image credits: NavakyW

Tweet highlighting support for a plus-size model confidently addressing fatphobic critics online.

Image credits: captawesome7784

Positive tweet praising a plus-size model for clapping back at fatphobic critics with grace and empowerment.

Image credits: lytchell

Plus-size model confidently responds to fatphobic critics in an empowering social media post.

Image credits: _xSuccuboix_

Plus-size model responds confidently to fatphobic critics in a bold social media reply about body positivity.

Image credits: TacticalEmperor

Tweet by plus-size model Tara encouraging confidence and resilience against fatphobic critics and societal judgment.

Image credits: GleamingTara

Tweet text from Robin B addressing fatphobic critics, featuring a plus-size model clapping back against body-shaming comments.

Image credits: mystisage

Tweet from a user responding with support, clapping back at fatphobic comments aimed at a plus-size model.

Image credits: tabithasayegh

Plus-size model claps back at fatphobic critics with inspiring message of self-acceptance and confidence on social media.

Image credits: michellecraves

Tweet screenshot of plus-size model clapping back at fatphobic critics, defending her natural stomach on social media.

Image credits: royaledareal1

Plus-size model responds to fatphobic critics with a bold message on social media addressing body positivity and confidence.

Image credits: brienightwood

Screenshot of a tweet by a plus-size model clapping back at fatphobic critics with a confident reply.

Image credits: kissmeimlris

Plus-size model replying to fatphobic critics on social media, promoting self-love and body positivity.

Image credits: cheyennewolfca

Tweet by user Philip jackway expressing support against fatphobic treatment, highlighting plus-size model clapping back at critics.

Image credits: Daemonised

Tweet from a plus-size model clapping back at fatphobic critics, expressing confidence in wearing a skimpy bikini and dress.

Image credits: BabeTruth781

Plus-size model shares empowering message about confidence and clapping back at fatphobic critics on social media.

Image credits: anagroaiel

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