Victoria’s Secrets Push for Inclusivity Draws Backlash

Victoria’s Secret hired its first plus-sized model amidst controversy surrounding lacking size representation. The model, Ali Tate-Cutler, marks a pivotal moment for the brand. But why is this decision facing media backlash? 

Part of the criticism surrounding the decision is that Cutler is a size 14, whereas the average woman in the United States is a size 16. She was originally a model for Bluebella, a London-based lingerie brand that partnered with Victoria’s Secret. Some feel as though Victoria’s Secret has barely made an effort to hire a plus-sized model and that this new model is an act of pandering. 

Cutler was thrilled to be the first plus-sized model and said this is a “great step in the right direction for bodies."

However, others did not feel the same way. Old tweets of Cutler resurfaced that made people question her intentions. In 2016, she made an Instagram post where she said: 

“Sorry but I don’t care about people’s health who are fat, that’s their own prerogative and their own life to lead”, it said. “Being obese is simply bad for the environment, and in this day and age, we cannot afford that lack of empathy anymore.”

Some found this tweet to mean that Cutler is not on board with plus-sized representation but rather supports it now only to benefit her collaboration with Victoria’s Secret. In a time where companies are transforming their brands to be more inclusive, not everyone finds this model to be progressive. 

Brands like Savage X Fenty have created lingerie lines that feature women of all body types, women of color, women with disabilities, and trans women, so Victoria’s Secret seems to follow suit with its step toward rebranding. 

What do you think? Should Victoria’s Secret be commended for trying to showcase models of all sizes? Or is this just a lack-luster attempt to seem inclusive?