“This Is Not How You Empower Women”: Swimwear Brand Known For Progressive Ads Divides Customers

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

A male model who posed for a popular women’s swimsuit brand has sparked outrage online by those saying the photoshoot failed to properly “empower women.” Moana Bikini, an Australian bikini brand, shared a video on its official Instagram page on Saturday (January 20) of model Jake Young posing in a white one-piece swimsuit worth $130.

The brand, which is owned by body-positive influencer Karina Irby, captioned the video: “Obsessed with this look,” adding that “Moana babe” Jake was modeling a size small.

Despite looking fabulous, some people have taken offense to Jake posing in the swimsuit, with some accusing the brand of “allowing men to encroach on women’s spaces.”

A person commented: “Is that a man? I thought you were about empowering women? Men seem to be trying to take over everything women hold sacred.

“Our safe spaces, our identity, and now our fashion.”

Another Instagram user wrote: “Sorry, but Moana, this is not how you empower women.