Former Orange Is the New Black actress Taryn Manning has stirred controversy after sharing two unconventional topless videos from her Palm Springs residence on Monday.
Defiant Message and Bizarre Dancing
The 47-year-old performer, who boasts 1.9 million social media followers, acknowledged her behaviour might make some uncomfortable while defending her actions. 'It's such a beautiful day and I know it makes some of you uncomfortable that I'm always half naked,' Manning admitted in the footage. 'But when you're just cruising around your property and it's your home then why can't I?'
This statement came shortly after the actress engaged in topless interpretive dancing in a separate clip, which she unexpectedly removed from her platform just two hours after posting it.
Accompanying her R-rated content with the hashtag #sovereign, the three-time SAG Award winner included a philosophical caption: 'We have zero control of the outcome. Your birthday suit is yours. Remember we only became self conscious after EVE messed up. Go back the roots! Be free again.'
Eerie Britney Spears Parallels
Observers noted that Manning's dishevelled dance routine bore a striking resemblance to the recent behaviour of her former Crossroads co-star Britney Spears. The pop icon has become notorious for her own scantily-clad performances, which sometimes involve wielding knives.
Manning and Spears, now 43, previously shared the screen in Tamra Davis's 2002 coming-of-age drama Crossroads. The film, produced with a $12 million budget, surprisingly earned $61.1 million globally despite receiving poor critical reviews.
In the movie, Manning portrayed pregnant trailer park teenager Mimi, while Spears played introverted valedictorian Lucy. The road trip film also featured notable actors including Zoe Saldaña, Kim Cattrall, and Dan Aykroyd.
Mixed Reactions and Personal Struggles
The videos prompted varied responses from her followers in the comments section. One Instagram user cautioned, 'Don't let them [Britney] Spears you Tara', to which Manning promptly corrected the spelling of her name: 'Taryn*'.
Another follower expressed concern, writing 'Oh honey, I hope you have some positive things coming your way soon'. Manning responded optimistically: 'I really do! Just under NDA! Ugh. Wish I could share more.'
However, the Arizona-raised actress chose not to engage with more critical comments, including one user who warned she was 'going to die from your alcoholism', describing it as a 'sadly bizarre thing to bear witness to'. Manning had previously employed a 'sober companion' in 2016.
This incident follows other eyebrow-raising behaviour from Manning in recent years. In September 2023, she walked her dog through her neighbourhood wearing only her underwear. That same month, she controversially defended convicted rapist Danny Masterson, suggesting people should stop 'crucifying him'.
The actress, who has faced multiple legal issues between 2012 and 2015, also previously shared explicit details about her personal life in another online video.
Looking toward the future, Manning revealed plans to remodel her Palm Springs property, place it on the market, and then 'move far, far, far away where no one can find me'. In a surprising political shift, the former MAGA supporter added: 'Hopefully, not even the government because I don't want to pay taxes anymore. I don't really trust [President Donald] Trump.'
Despite the recent controversies, Manning maintains an active career with several upcoming projects including the indie drama ...And Out Comes The Wolf, psychological horror film Puppet, and comedy Shift Happens.
The actress remains best known for her portrayal of former meth addict Tiffany 'Pennsatucky' Doggett in Netflix's Orange Is the New Black (2013–2019), along with memorable roles in Hustle & Flow (2005) and 8 Mile (2002).
