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

Some things really do have to be seen to be understood.

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.

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.