Lauren Goodger Voices Support Amid Bikini Backlash Against Wright Family
Former TOWIE star Lauren Goodger has thrown her weight behind women who were left furious by what they describe as 'degrading' remarks made by the family of her ex-fiancé Mark Wright. The controversy erupted this week after Mark's sister Jess Wright, their mother Carol, and sister Natalya faced intense criticism for a conversation on their Wright At Home podcast where they labelled thong bikinis as 'gross'.
Podcast Comments Spark Widespread Outrage
The Wright family's discussion, which they have since apologised for, centred on women's swimwear and included comments that many found offensive and disrespectful. Jess Wright, aged 40, detailed her husband William Kemp's disapproval, stating he could not understand how women find thong bikinis attractive. Carol Wright, 65, added that her husband Mark Wright Sr., 69, also finds the look 'unsexy', recounting a holiday anecdote about seeing women in such attire.
Natalya Wright, 25, joined in, criticising women who wear thong bikinis without covering up with towels or sarongs. The trio's remarks quickly went viral, leading to a fierce backlash on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
Social Media Erupts with Defiance and Criticism
In response, current TOWIE star Dani Imbert posted a TikTok video of herself confidently strutting along a beach in a thong bikini, using the audio from the Wright family's podcast. The video garnered significant attention, with Lauren Goodger commenting 'I LOVE this wow' on the post. Dani replied, 'I love you my icon,' prompting a flood of supportive messages from fans who sided with Lauren and Dani.
Social media users expressed their anger, with many posting bikini pictures and statements like 'Jess, I do not dress for your husband'. Others highlighted what they saw as hypocrisy, sharing throwback images of Jess Wright wearing similar swimwear in the past, including at her 2021 hen do.
Apologies Issued Amid Growing Furore
On Tuesday, Jess Wright issued a public apology on behalf of herself, Carol, and Natalya, which was shared across their social media accounts. The statement read: 'In response to comments we made on our podcast. We've listened, we hear you and we want to say sorry... Our judgement was wrong and we take full accountability and will do better moving forward. Love Jess, Natalya and Carol.'
Despite the apology, the controversy has continued to dominate online discussions, with many criticising the family for what they perceive as a failure to support other women. One TikTok user remarked, 'Its disgusting women still have to deal with other women tearing them down for their clothing choices.'
Background and Broader Implications
Lauren Goodger, who famously dated and became engaged to Mark Wright during their time on TOWIE, has not shied away from the spotlight in this dispute. Her endorsement of Dani Imbert's post has been seen as a strong statement against body-shaming and judgemental attitudes towards women's fashion choices.
The Wright At Home podcast, launched in November last year, had gained mild traction prior to this incident, but the bikini discussion has propelled it into viral notoriety. The clip was removed from the podcast's Instagram page, but it continues to circulate widely on TikTok, underscoring the power of social media in amplifying public debates.
This episode highlights ongoing tensions around women's autonomy, body positivity, and the role of public figures in shaping societal norms. As the conversation evolves, it serves as a reminder of the impact that offhand comments can have in today's digital age.
