Background of the Incident
On March 11, 2026, Jess Wright, known for her role on the reality show The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE), along with her mother Carol Wright and sister Natalya Wright, faced criticism for remarks made during their podcast, Wright at Home. The discussion centered around women’s swimwear, particularly thong bikinis, and the comments made by the trio quickly attracted negative attention on social media.
Comments Made on the Podcast
During the podcast, Jess Wright stated that her husband, William-Lee Kemp, “hates” thong bikinis, expressing her own distaste by saying, “I can’t stand how it’s acceptable to walk around on the beach in a thong.” Carol Wright added her perspective, stating that she thought thong bikinis were “not sexy for men to look at.” Natalya Wright suggested that women should wear a sarong if they bend over while wearing thong bikinis, further contributing to the controversial discussion.
Public Reaction and Backlash
The comments sparked immediate backlash on social media, with many users labeling the remarks as “degrading” to women. Critics pointed out the hypocrisy in Jess Wright’s statements, as she has previously worn thong bikinis herself. This contradiction led to accusations of being a “hypocrite,” intensifying the scrutiny surrounding the family’s views on women’s swimwear.
Apologies Issued
In response to the backlash, Jess, Carol, and Natalya Wright took to their Instagram Stories to issue an apology. They stated, “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 & Carol.” This public acknowledgment of their misstep was an attempt to address the concerns raised by their audience.
Impact on Their Podcast
Following the backlash, the episode containing the controversial comments was removed from social media platforms. The incident has raised questions about the responsibility of public figures when discussing sensitive topics, particularly those related to women’s choices and body image. The Wright family’s comments have highlighted the ongoing debate about societal standards of beauty and the freedom of women to express themselves through fashion.
Current State of Affairs
As of now, Jess Wright and her family are navigating the fallout from their comments. The apology has been received with mixed reactions; while some appreciate their willingness to take accountability, others remain critical of their initial remarks. The incident serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding discussions about body positivity and the diverse opinions within society regarding women’s clothing choices.
Why This Matters
This sequence of events is significant not only for Jess Wright and her family but also for the broader conversation about women’s rights and body autonomy. The backlash they faced underscores the importance of thoughtful dialogue around topics that affect women’s self-image and societal expectations. As public figures, the Wrights have a platform that can influence perceptions, making their comments particularly impactful in shaping discussions about fashion and femininity.