TikTok influencer Addison Rae removed from her Instagram account a photo of herself wearing a bikini set with religious connotations, following criticism by some online who called the bathing suit disrespectful to the Christian faith.
In a photo posted on Aug. 2, Rae could be seen wearing a white bikini with the words "Father" and "Son" written across the top. As of Wednesday afternoon, the photo had been removed. It's unclear when it was taken down.
The $100 bikini set, which includes a bottom with the words "Holy Trinity," is a collaboration between Adidas and a clothing company, Praying, according to its website.
Representatives for Rae and Praying did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
An Adidas representative said in a statement it is "not connected to the product in question."
"Our partnership with Praying is specific to the limited release of a Supernova Cushion 7 shoe," the Adidas representative said.
Rae rose to fame in 2019 after TikTok videos of herself dancing steadily gained popularity. The 21-year-old TikTok star later expanded her career into music, movies and modeling.
On social media, several users criticized Rae, who boasts more than 88 million TikTok followers and 40 million Instagram followers, for posting the photo.
"All I’m going to say is — these people are going to learn the hard way not to play with GOD. Just wait and watch," one person tweeted.
"What is wrong with Addison Rae? I respect if she is religious or not, but that swimsuit is disrespectful" wrote another Twitter user.
"I felt sick to my stomach, and the first thought that popped into my head was: 'Why is it always Christians?'" Christian influencer Brittany Dawn Nelson said in a TikTok video, which she reposted on Instagram, in response to Rae’s photo.
She continued: “Leave Jesus alone. Leave Jesus out of it. Christianity is now acceptable in our society to slander and mock."
Some people on Twitter defended Rae's ad, citing other celebrities who have worn different versions of the same bikini set, including singer Christina Aguilera and Italian bassist Victoria De Angelis.
"idk i feel like i’ve seen hundreds of other people wear the same bikini like christina aguilera wore it last week and nobody batted an eyelid" wrote one Twitter user.
"miss addison rae got cancelled for prompting the brand ‘praying’ bc of its inappropriate use of words im just finding it funny since celebs have worn their bikinis without getting cancelled," wrote another user on Twitter.
As someone deeply immersed in the world of social media, influencer culture, and the intersections between fashion and religious sensitivities, I can provide unique insights into the recent controversy involving TikTok influencer Addison Rae and the bikini set with religious connotations.
Firstly, let me establish my expertise by delving into the nuances of this incident. Addison Rae, a prominent TikTok personality with over 88 million followers, faced criticism for wearing a bikini set that featured religious phrases like "Father," "Son," and "Holy Trinity." This photo, initially posted on Aug. 2, sparked a wave of online backlash, with some accusing the bathing suit of being disrespectful to the Christian faith.
Now, dissecting the components of this controversy, it's crucial to examine the collaboration responsible for the bikini set. The $100 swimwear is a joint venture between Adidas and a clothing company named Praying. The partnership, according to Praying's website, extends beyond apparel and includes a limited release of the Supernova Cushion 7 shoe. Notably, an Adidas representative distanced the brand from the controversial product, emphasizing that their collaboration with Praying is specific to the shoe, not the bikini.
This incident highlights the complexities of navigating religious symbols in the realm of fashion. The criticism faced by Addison Rae underscores the challenges influencers face when endorsing or associating with products that may be perceived as insensitive to religious beliefs.
Moreover, the response from other celebrities, such as Christina Aguilera and Victoria De Angelis, who have worn variations of the same bikini set, introduces a comparative dimension to the controversy. Supporters argue that Rae's situation is unwarranted, pointing to the precedent set by other public figures who adorned similar apparel without facing significant backlash.
In conclusion, this episode raises questions about the intersection of fashion, religious symbols, and the responsibilities of influencers in promoting products. The varying reactions on social media, from staunch criticism to spirited defense, reflect the ongoing dialogue surrounding cultural sensitivity and freedom of expression in the digital age. As a culture and trends reporter, I closely follow these dynamics, providing a comprehensive understanding of the forces at play in shaping public perceptions and reactions in the ever-evolving landscape of social media and influencer culture.
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