Latest news with #ErinMarleyKlay
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Plus-Size Model Claps Back After Her Bikini Photos Sparked 'Discourse.' Why She's Not Letting It Get to Her (Exclusive)
Plus-size model Erin Marley Klay sparked "discourse" on X after posting a series of bikini photos on the platform, where she also clapped back at the criticism with a thread of empowering posts In response to the crude and body-shaming comments on her viral post, the 24-year-old wrote: "Pls don't let society's preconceived notions of what is beautiful and what's not stop you from living your life" She opens up to PEOPLE about her reaction and navigating the fashion industry as a curvy womanOne plus-size model is opening about her experience with body-shaming following a string of hate comments on her latest bikini photos that went viral on social media. On July 8, Erin Marley Klay, 24, posted a series of snapshots to X of herself posing on the beach in a string bikini. Although the content isn't out of left field for the influencer, who often shares swimsuit-centered content on her feeds, the post took off on the platform, garnering 75 million views followed by post after post of degrading comments. "Oh gosh, the discourse has been nothing short of insane," Klay tells PEOPLE, explaining that she's had such a "divisive" experience reading some of the crude — and outright offensive — criticism on her curvy image. The Los Angeles-based content creator admits that this isn't the first time she's "sparked such a large debate" over her body, detailing another incident that happened when she was 18, the age she started posting regularly on social media. "When it happened, I laid low for a while and let it blow over. I was somewhat unequipped to deal with so much perception over the way I looked," she says. This time, Klay wasn't about to take the heat. Instead, she chose "to lead with light and positivity" when she made the decision to clap back at the negative commentary. "I feel like I've come full circle with how I handle things and I'm glad I'm in a place where such a large discourse had little effect over my self-worth." In a thread of follow-up posts on X, Klay 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," she wrote in another post on X, while encouraging her followers to "go to the pool, try out a new hobby, wear the jeans you're insecure about, and enjoy your body to the fullest this summer." Klay emphasizes to PEOPLE, "What I chose to focus on were all the women telling me how much me being confident in my visibly plus-size body meant to them," adding that she took the opportunity to empower women, "rather than spending my time only responding cattily to hate comments made by men who would never have the gall to approach me in real life." Fortunately, she's received an outpouring of love and support, with people's responses being "overwhelmingly positive." "It's easy to be jaded when you've been online for so long, but the response reminded me why I do this. Seeing other people with my body or people with insecurities feel even a little bit better by me putting myself out there is what keeps me going." is now available in the Apple App Store! Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more! Ironically, Klay says the negativity happens online — and online only. "The thing a lot of people forget about online hate is that it exists almost in a vacuum; these people would never have the courage to spew such hate in real life." In fact, when she does proudly wear a two-piece to the beach, she says, "No one is looking at me wondering why I'm wearing a bikini and not a one-piece, or picking apart my body. Have people probably insulted me in their head but kept it to themselves? Sure. That just means they're normal about it." Klay began professionally modeling when she was scouted on Instagram by agency, Zion Models, at the age of 21. She's worked with fashion and beauty brands including Selkie, Wet n Wild, Nordstrom, SKIMS and House of CB. "I'd say the biggest challenges I faced at first were due to my own fears," she reveals. "This industry is daunting, especially as a plus-size woman. I let my own insecurities — most of which were tied to not feeling good or worthy enough of taking up space in any room I walked into — hold me back for a bit. I would talk myself out of wearing outfits or going to certain events." She continues: "While my confidence and feelings of self-worth have grown exponentially since then, there are things you can't control in this industry. From top agencies deciding to no longer represent curve models to brands discontinuing their plus sizes, and even agencies telling you to your face 'big girls aren't booking well right now,' you can have all the confidence in the world yet the fatphobia and diet culture is so ingrained in our society that it's hard to break through sometimes." Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. However, she reminds herself that "it isn't a crime to look the way you do, whatever that may be. No matter how badly people have made you feel for it. You're allowed to take up the space you do in whatever way." "Plus-size bodies are here to stay, they've always been here. You can throw whatever diet fad or hateful remarks you want into the world, but we'll continue to exist. We need to show society, production companies, brands, directors and top agencies that our bodies deserve to be represented in the media we consume," declares Kay. "I plan on being in your face whether you like it or not. I'll take as many jabs at my appearance that are necessary if it means I can shift the scales even slightly in the favor of representation for every body. I can take it. In fact, I welcome it." Read the original article on People
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Plus-Size Model Claps Back After Her Bikini Photos Sparked 'Discourse.' Why She's Not Letting It Get to Her (Exclusive)
Plus-size model Erin Marley Klay sparked "discourse" on X after posting a series of bikini photos on the platform, where she also clapped back at the criticism with a thread of empowering posts In response to the crude and body-shaming comments on her viral post, the 24-year-old wrote: "Pls don't let society's preconceived notions of what is beautiful and what's not stop you from living your life" She opens up to PEOPLE about her reaction and navigating the fashion industry as a curvy womanOne plus-size model is opening about her experience with body-shaming following a string of hate comments on her latest bikini photos that went viral on social media. On July 8, Erin Marley Klay, 24, posted a series of snapshots to X of herself posing on the beach in a string bikini. Although the content isn't out of left field for the influencer, who often shares swimsuit-centered content on her feeds, the post took off on the platform, garnering 75 million views followed by post after post of degrading comments. "Oh gosh, the discourse has been nothing short of insane," Klay tells PEOPLE, explaining that she's had such a "divisive" experience reading some of the crude — and outright offensive — criticism on her curvy image. The Los Angeles-based content creator admits that this isn't the first time she's "sparked such a large debate" over her body, detailing another incident that happened when she was 18, the age she started posting regularly on social media. "When it happened, I laid low for a while and let it blow over. I was somewhat unequipped to deal with so much perception over the way I looked," she says. This time, Klay wasn't about to take the heat. Instead, she chose "to lead with light and positivity" when she made the decision to clap back at the negative commentary. "I feel like I've come full circle with how I handle things and I'm glad I'm in a place where such a large discourse had little effect over my self-worth." In a thread of follow-up posts on X, Klay 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," she wrote in another post on X, while encouraging her followers to "go to the pool, try out a new hobby, wear the jeans you're insecure about, and enjoy your body to the fullest this summer." Klay emphasizes to PEOPLE, "What I chose to focus on were all the women telling me how much me being confident in my visibly plus-size body meant to them," adding that she took the opportunity to empower women, "rather than spending my time only responding cattily to hate comments made by men who would never have the gall to approach me in real life." Fortunately, she's received an outpouring of love and support, with people's responses being "overwhelmingly positive." "It's easy to be jaded when you've been online for so long, but the response reminded me why I do this. Seeing other people with my body or people with insecurities feel even a little bit better by me putting myself out there is what keeps me going." is now available in the Apple App Store! Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more! Ironically, Klay says the negativity happens online — and online only. "The thing a lot of people forget about online hate is that it exists almost in a vacuum; these people would never have the courage to spew such hate in real life." In fact, when she does proudly wear a two-piece to the beach, she says, "No one is looking at me wondering why I'm wearing a bikini and not a one-piece, or picking apart my body. Have people probably insulted me in their head but kept it to themselves? Sure. That just means they're normal about it." Klay began professionally modeling when she was scouted on Instagram by agency, Zion Models, at the age of 21. She's worked with fashion and beauty brands including Selkie, Wet n Wild, Nordstrom, SKIMS and House of CB. "I'd say the biggest challenges I faced at first were due to my own fears," she reveals. "This industry is daunting, especially as a plus-size woman. I let my own insecurities — most of which were tied to not feeling good or worthy enough of taking up space in any room I walked into — hold me back for a bit. I would talk myself out of wearing outfits or going to certain events." She continues: "While my confidence and feelings of self-worth have grown exponentially since then, there are things you can't control in this industry. From top agencies deciding to no longer represent curve models to brands discontinuing their plus sizes, and even agencies telling you to your face 'big girls aren't booking well right now,' you can have all the confidence in the world yet the fatphobia and diet culture is so ingrained in our society that it's hard to break through sometimes." Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. However, she reminds herself that "it isn't a crime to look the way you do, whatever that may be. No matter how badly people have made you feel for it. You're allowed to take up the space you do in whatever way." "Plus-size bodies are here to stay, they've always been here. You can throw whatever diet fad or hateful remarks you want into the world, but we'll continue to exist. We need to show society, production companies, brands, directors and top agencies that our bodies deserve to be represented in the media we consume," declares Kay. "I plan on being in your face whether you like it or not. I'll take as many jabs at my appearance that are necessary if it means I can shift the scales even slightly in the favor of representation for every body. I can take it. In fact, I welcome it." Read the original article on People
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Plus-Size Model Claps Back After Her Bikini Photos Sparked 'Discourse.' Why She's Not Letting It Get to Her (Exclusive)
Plus-size model Erin Marley Klay sparked "discourse" on X after posting a series of bikini photos on the platform, where she also clapped back at the criticism with a thread of empowering posts In response to the crude and body-shaming comments on her viral post, the 24-year-old wrote: "Pls don't let society's preconceived notions of what is beautiful and what's not stop you from living your life" She opens up to PEOPLE about her reaction and navigating the fashion industry as a curvy womanOne plus-size model is opening about her experience with body-shaming following a string of hate comments on her latest bikini photos that went viral on social media. On July 8, Erin Marley Klay, 24, posted a series of snapshots to X of herself posing on the beach in a string bikini. Although the content isn't out of left field for the influencer, who often shares swimsuit-centered content on her feeds, the post took off on the platform, garnering 75 million views followed by post after post of degrading comments. "Oh gosh, the discourse has been nothing short of insane," Klay tells PEOPLE, explaining that she's had such a "divisive" experience reading some of the crude — and outright offensive — criticism on her curvy image. The Los Angeles-based content creator admits that this isn't the first time she's "sparked such a large debate" over her body, detailing another incident that happened when she was 18, the age she started posting regularly on social media. "When it happened, I laid low for a while and let it blow over. I was somewhat unequipped to deal with so much perception over the way I looked," she says. This time, Klay wasn't about to take the heat. Instead, she chose "to lead with light and positivity" when she made the decision to clap back at the negative commentary. "I feel like I've come full circle with how I handle things and I'm glad I'm in a place where such a large discourse had little effect over my self-worth." In a thread of follow-up posts on X, Klay 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," she wrote in another post on X, while encouraging her followers to "go to the pool, try out a new hobby, wear the jeans you're insecure about, and enjoy your body to the fullest this summer." Klay emphasizes to PEOPLE, "What I chose to focus on were all the women telling me how much me being confident in my visibly plus-size body meant to them," adding that she took the opportunity to empower women, "rather than spending my time only responding cattily to hate comments made by men who would never have the gall to approach me in real life." Fortunately, she's received an outpouring of love and support, with people's responses being "overwhelmingly positive." "It's easy to be jaded when you've been online for so long, but the response reminded me why I do this. Seeing other people with my body or people with insecurities feel even a little bit better by me putting myself out there is what keeps me going." is now available in the Apple App Store! Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more! Ironically, Klay says the negativity happens online — and online only. "The thing a lot of people forget about online hate is that it exists almost in a vacuum; these people would never have the courage to spew such hate in real life." In fact, when she does proudly wear a two-piece to the beach, she says, "No one is looking at me wondering why I'm wearing a bikini and not a one-piece, or picking apart my body. Have people probably insulted me in their head but kept it to themselves? Sure. That just means they're normal about it." Klay began professionally modeling when she was scouted on Instagram by agency, Zion Models, at the age of 21. She's worked with fashion and beauty brands including Selkie, Wet n Wild, Nordstrom, SKIMS and House of CB. "I'd say the biggest challenges I faced at first were due to my own fears," she reveals. "This industry is daunting, especially as a plus-size woman. I let my own insecurities — most of which were tied to not feeling good or worthy enough of taking up space in any room I walked into — hold me back for a bit. I would talk myself out of wearing outfits or going to certain events." She continues: "While my confidence and feelings of self-worth have grown exponentially since then, there are things you can't control in this industry. From top agencies deciding to no longer represent curve models to brands discontinuing their plus sizes, and even agencies telling you to your face 'big girls aren't booking well right now,' you can have all the confidence in the world yet the fatphobia and diet culture is so ingrained in our society that it's hard to break through sometimes." Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. However, she reminds herself that "it isn't a crime to look the way you do, whatever that may be. No matter how badly people have made you feel for it. You're allowed to take up the space you do in whatever way." "Plus-size bodies are here to stay, they've always been here. You can throw whatever diet fad or hateful remarks you want into the world, but we'll continue to exist. We need to show society, production companies, brands, directors and top agencies that our bodies deserve to be represented in the media we consume," declares Kay. "I plan on being in your face whether you like it or not. I'll take as many jabs at my appearance that are necessary if it means I can shift the scales even slightly in the favor of representation for every body. I can take it. In fact, I welcome it." Read the original article on People
Toronto Sun
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Toronto Sun
'Stunning' plus-size model hits back at fat-shaming trolls slamming bikini pics
Erin Marley Klay took to X over the weekend to go off on haters who had cruel things to say about her weight. Photo by Erin Marley Klay / X Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. A plus-size model has responded after being inundated with awful comments to photos of her in a bikini. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Erin Marley Klay took to X over the weekend to go off on haters who had cruel things to say about her weight. 'You could be hot. But you're too fat,' one person wrote before advising the model that a 'calorie deficit is all you need. Maybe some walks around the neighbourhood after work.' A second user said, 'Being overweight is a serious health issue, please seek treatment with diet, exercise and medication if needed, one can develop diabetes, heart issues and other illness from it.' Read More A third asked, 'Would women be supportive if she was a model 10? No, they don't see her as a threat they pity her and virtue signal that they're kind in the replies.' Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Klay appeared to be used to the hate as she was eager to respond. 'I love when I post pictures that bring out the fatphobics because it means I literally look so hot it's confusing them,' she wrote in the first of a series of X posts, prompting her to post even more bikini photos. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'A lot of these men don't even know I'm a signed model with several campaigns under my belt so seeing them try to call me ugly is just really funny to me. My profession speaks for itself!' The gorgeous 24-year-old shared an eye-popping photo the following day with the caption, 'Unfortunately for half of Twitter I woke up still plus-sized and really beautiful again.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Before pointing out to critics in another post that 80% of her online followers are men, Klay added more swimsuit photos to her account. Donning a sexy, red, halter-top one-piece, she captioned the pics, ''Body fat percentage' this 'lose weight' that. Have you considered I don't care and I'm really hot?' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. But it wasn't all hate with Klay with many fans calling the model 'stunning' and a 'goddess.' Klay, who has more than half a million followers on social media and has modelled for brands like Fashion Nova Curve and Selkie, thanked supporters for 'the kindest compliments,' adding, 'There is no possible way to respond to all of you but know that I'm reading as many as I can and I appreciate you.' But in another post, Klay advised, 'Please 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.' RECOMMENDED VIDEO Olympics Basketball Uncategorized Toronto & GTA Toronto & GTA
Daily Mail
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Plus-size model's perfect response after being fat-shamed by trolls for wearing a bikini
A popular plus-size model has hit back at her haters after being brutally trolled online for her voluptuous bikini body. Erin Marley Klay went viral on X (formerly Twitter) over the weekend after posting a series of photos of herself wearing a skimpy swimsuit on the beach. The post racked up over 73 million views in a matter of days and sparked a fierce online debate about beauty standards. The 24-year-old was inundated with cruel comments from trolls about her weight, with countless men online attacking her appearance. 'You could be hot. But you're too fat. Calorie deficit is all you need. Maybe some walks around the neighborhood after work,' wrote one. Another wrote, 'Would women be supportive if she was a model 10? 'No, they don't see her as a threat they pity her and virtue signal that they're kind in the replies.' Another commented, 'Being overweight is a serious health issue, please seek treatment with diet, exercise and medication if needed, one can develop diabetes, heart issues and other illness from it.' Firing back at her 'fatphobic' haters, Klay delivered the perfect response. 'A lot of these men don't even know I'm a signed model with several campaigns under my belt so seeing them try to call me ugly is just really funny to me. 'My profession speaks for itself!' she posted on X. In another X post, she wrote, 'I love when I post pictures that bring out the fatphobics because it means I literally look so hot it's confusing them.' She also shared more swimsuit photos of herself, along with a spicy caption. '"Body fat percentage" this "lose weight" that. Have you considered I don't care and I'm really hot?' she wrote. To further stick it to her critics, the stunner also revealed that 80 per cent of her online following are men. Firing back at her 'fatphobic' haters, Klay delivered the perfect response in a series of posts After speaking out, Klay was met with a slew of positive comments from supporters online. 'The only generation where men will complain about a gorgeous woman in a bikini,' commented one. 'Men in these comments make me laugh cause yall are so mad over someone who would never breathe on you irl,' wrote a second. 'How are you giving Megan Fox, Sophie Turner, and Sabrina Carpenter all at the same time!' gushed a third. Another fan commented, 'It really is always the chuds with no profile picture spewing their bile at beautiful women. 'The bottom of the barrel of humanity thinking their opinion means anything except to other losers like themselves.' Klay then thanked her followers for the outpouring of support and offered some encouraging words for other women, writing, 'Please 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,' she continued. '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.' Klay boasts over a half a million followers on social media and has worked with brands like Fashion Nova Curve and Selkie. She also has a YouTube channel where she shares modeling and fashion tips for curvy women.
