A luxury lingerie brand defended using a man to model its undergarments.
The brand, Honey Birdette, posted a photo of male model, Jake Dupree, on its Instagram page, sporting its lingerie. Per his Instagram bio, Dupree identifies as “non-binary” as well as an “international burlesque performer” and “lingerie lover.”
Honey Birdette’s former tagline, “by women, for women,” has since been changed to “a luxury lingerie brand for all,” per the Daily Wire. Via its Twitter page, the intimate brand defended its decision in the caption of Dupree’s photo.
“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,” the company wrote.
Continuing, “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. [Jake Dupree] you are so talented and have our full support!”
After receiving backlash, the company turned comments off on the post.
Two Questions: Why are companies choosing non-binary, and why are papers majoring on it? 🤷♀️
— Sandra Weeden (@SandraWeeden) April 14, 2023
Australian lingerie company Honey Birdette has defended itself after being slammed with homophobic and transphobic slurs for using a non-binary person to advertise a bra.… pic.twitter.com/UbYjmoU2dh
Twitter user Sandra Weeden tweeted the photo on her page and called out the brand.
“Two Questions: Why are companies choosing non-binary, and why are papers majoring on it? Australian lingerie company Honey Birdette has defended itself after being slammed with homophobic and transphobic slurs for using a non-binary person to advertise a bra,” she wrote in the caption.
Other Twitter users responded to Weeden’s tweet with disapproval of the brand’s marketing.
“That is a man. He looks revolting in women’s underwear. Makes a mockery of women,” one Twitter user wrote.
They added they would not buy from the brand because “they do not respect women.”
Another Twitter user wrote, “Honey Birdette no longer sells to women then! I hope any woman who buys this brand will think twice now.”
Continuing, they wrote, “They obviously don’t want our money. They are making a complete mockery of women. It’s just so insulting!”