Controversial Comments Made
On March 11, 2026, Jess Wright, known for her role on the reality show The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE), faced significant backlash after comments made during a discussion on her podcast, Wright at Home. During the episode, Jess, along with her mother Carol Wright and sister Natalya Wright, shared their opinions on women’s swimwear, particularly thong bikinis. Jess stated that her husband, William-Lee Kemp, ‘hates’ thong bikinis, and Carol added that she thought they were ‘not sexy for men to look at.’
Backlash on Social Media
The remarks quickly drew criticism on social media, with many users labeling the comments as ‘degrading.’ Critics pointed out the hypocrisy in Jess’s statements, as she has worn thong bikinis herself in the past. Jess’s comments were perceived as judgmental towards women who choose to wear such swimwear, leading to a wave of negative responses online.
Apologies Issued
In response to the backlash, Jess, Carol, and Natalya took to their Instagram Stories to issue a public 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 statement aimed to address the concerns raised by their audience and acknowledge the impact of their words.
Podcast Episode Removed
Following the controversy, the episode containing the comments was removed from social media platforms. Jess’s comments about thong bikinis, including her assertion that “I can’t stand how it’s acceptable to walk around on the beach in a thong,” have been met with scrutiny, particularly given the public’s reaction to her views.
Family Dynamics and Public Perception
Carol Wright’s additional comment, “Leave something to the imagination! It’s not sexy,” further fueled the debate about body image and societal standards of beauty. The family’s collective stance on the issue has raised questions about their understanding of women’s choices and the implications of their public statements.
Current State of Affairs
As of now, Jess Wright and her family are navigating the fallout from their comments. The backlash has highlighted the ongoing discussions about body positivity and the acceptance of diverse forms of self-expression, particularly in swimwear. The incident serves as a reminder of the influence public figures have on societal perceptions of beauty and fashion.
Implications for Those Involved
This sequence of events is significant not only for Jess Wright and her family but also for the broader conversation surrounding women’s rights to choose their attire without facing judgment. The backlash they received underscores the importance of sensitivity in discussions about body image and the potential consequences of public commentary on personal choices.