Emily Ratajkowski has been called out by fans, labeling her as ‘fatphobic’ in the wake of her latest photo shoot which sparked backlash among plus-size models and activists, who claimed it promoted unhealthy narratives about body image.
The supermodel, 32, recently shared a series of images on Instagram of a photoshoot with M magazine, in which she shows off a number of flowy tops and baggy pants. The shoot was styled by Charlotte Collet and creative directed by Jean-Baptise Talbourdet-Napoleone.
Ratajkowski is seen in the picture sporting a pair of wide-leg, low-rise denim pants that are double her size. The baggy jeans dropped to her feet, showcasing her toned body. Ratajkowski stood in one leg of the jeans to emphasize the obvious size difference while she raised the waistband with one arm.
The photo shoot instantly sparked backlash as famous plus-sized models and activists like Tess Holliday, Stephanie Yeboah, Kelly Augustine, and Sarah Chiwaya left disappointed notes in her comment section. Moreover, thousands of users criticized both Ratajkowski and the team behind the photo shoot for the “out of touch” image and claimed the photo shoot was “fatphobic”.
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“I’ve been looking for those jeans in the second photo if you could just please return them that would cool. Tysm,” Holliday commented under Ratajkowski’s post.
“That second photo is such godforsaken trash,” wrote Chiwaya. “In the year of our lord 2023?? STILL??? Yikes.”
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“What in the fatphobic hell is that second picture?” a third user commented, while someone else said: “That second pic is so out of touch and ignorant but the comments are chef’s kiss.”
Greater inclusivity in sizing, both in retail establishments and on the catwalk, has long been a goal of plus-size models. Because plus-size clothes is too costly to produce, luxury labels and corporations frequently shy away from producing it. As someone else noted, “Designers won’t make plus sizes unless it’s for a photo op where a thin person can be quirky.”
Many people were especially surprised by the “distasteful” photo shoot considering Ratajkowski has published a book of essays about feminist empowerment and the objectification of women’s bodies, titled My Body. “Not sure how you think wearing oversized jeans made for a much larger person and accentuating your smallness promotes healthy body image like you preach in your books/social media,” an Instagram user said.
“What part of a thin, white woman wearing plus-sized jeans is fashion, is interesting, is revolutionary?” @fatfabfeminist said in her video with 11,400 views.
“Y’all at the very least should be having more fat people in these design spaces. Because you need someone to look at you in the face and tell you ‘this is weird.'”
“This gives weight watchers ad flashbacks,” one user commented.
From another commenter: “No f—ing reason whatsoever, just fatphobia and vibes.”
Since she shared snaps from the photo shoot over the weekend, Ratajkowski has not yet commented on the backlash.
