Kerry Katona Condemns Jess Wright's Podcast Comments on Thong Bikinis
Kerry Katona has publicly criticised Jess Wright over controversial remarks made on a recent podcast episode, where Jess, along with her mother Carol and sister Natalya Wright, disparaged women who wear thong bikinis. The 45-year-old television personality has called for greater body positivity and personal freedom in swimwear choices.
Podcast Episode Sparks Widespread Backlash
The controversy stems from an episode of Jess Wright's podcast, Wright At Home, titled Should Thongs Be Allowed At The Beach?. During the discussion, Jess, aged 40, Carol, 65, and Natalya, 24, described thong bikinis as gross and unsexy. The trio later issued a public apology on their Instagram stories, stating, We've listened, we hear you and we want to say sorry. Our judgement was wrong and we take full accountability and will be better moving forward.
Despite the apology, the comments have ignited significant online criticism, with many accusing the Wright family of degrading women and perpetuating negative stereotypes about body image.
Kerry Katona's Response Advocates Body Positivity
In her latest column for new! magazine, Kerry Katona expressed her disapproval of the Wright family's stance. She stated, On Jess Wright’s podcast recently, she, her mum Carol and sister Natalya criticised women who wear thong bikinis. It’s another case of women slagging women off – and I think it’s wrong.
Katona, who herself wears thong bikinis, emphasised practical reasons for her choice, saying, I don’t see the problem with wearing them – I do! I don’t want to get tan marks on my a**e! She concluded with a message of empowerment: The trio have since apologised, but my message is: if you want to, wear the thong – embrace your body!
Online Reactions Highlight Divergent Views
The podcast episode, which has since been deleted, prompted a flurry of reactions on social media. Critics argued that the comments were tone-deaf and reinforced harmful attitudes towards women's autonomy. One user wrote, Have you considered that maybe girls who wear a thong on the beach simply don’t want a big white a**e when the rest of their bodies tan? Another added, Tone deaf to even assume that women do this for the male gaze. Let people be.
However, some supporters defended the Wright family's right to express their opinions. One commenter noted, So what if she thinks bikini thongs are disgusting. That is her opinion, her choice. People need to stop being disgusting to others with different opinions to their own.
Context of the Controversial Discussion
During the podcast, Jess Wright initiated the conversation by saying, I can't stand how it's acceptable to walk around a beach in a thong. Natalya added concerns about modesty, while Carol questioned the appeal of such swimwear to men. Jess mentioned that her husband, Will, shared similar views, suggesting that women should leave something to the imagination.
Carol recounted an anecdote about seeing three girls with their whole a***s out at the beach, noting that her husband, Mark, also found the outfits unappealing. These remarks were met with accusations of shaming and undermining women's choices.
The incident underscores ongoing debates about body image, fashion, and the role of public figures in shaping societal norms. As Kerry Katona's response highlights, the conversation has evolved into a broader discussion about self-acceptance and the importance of supporting women's decisions without judgment.
