Jess Wright Faces Backlash Over Thong Bikini Comments

Background on the Controversy

Jess Wright, known for her role on the reality show The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE), recently found herself at the center of a social media storm. The controversy arose during a discussion on her podcast, Wright at Home, where she, along with her mother Carol Wright and sister Natalya Wright, made comments regarding women’s swimwear, specifically thong bikinis.

Comments Made on the Podcast

On March 11, 2026, Jess Wright claimed that her husband, William-Lee Kemp, “hates” thong bikinis, stating, “I can’t stand how it’s acceptable to walk around on the beach in a thong.” Carol Wright added her perspective, expressing that she believed thong bikinis were “not sexy for men to look at.” Natalya Wright further suggested that women should wear a sarong if they bend over in thong bikinis.

Backlash and Public Reaction

The comments quickly drew backlash on social media, with many users labeling them as “degrading.” Critics pointed out the hypocrisy in Jess’s remarks, as she has worn thong bikinis herself in the past. This contradiction led to accusations of being a “hypocrite,” intensifying the negative response from the public.

Apologies Issued

In light of the backlash, Jess, Carol, and Natalya Wright 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 listeners and social media users alike.

Podcast Episode Removed

Following the controversy, the episode containing the contentious comments was removed from social media platforms. This decision reflects the seriousness with which the Wright family is taking the backlash and their commitment to addressing the situation.

Current State of Affairs

As of now, Jess Wright and her family are working to rebuild their public image after the incident. The apologies have been met with mixed reactions, with some praising their accountability while others remain critical of their initial comments. The incident serves as a reminder of the scrutiny public figures face regarding their statements and the impact those statements can have on societal perceptions of women’s choices.

Significance of the Events

This sequence of events matters not only for Jess Wright and her family but also for the broader conversation about women’s rights and body positivity. The backlash highlights the ongoing societal debate over how women are perceived based on their clothing choices and the judgments that often accompany those perceptions. As public figures, the Wright family’s comments have sparked discussions that extend beyond their personal views, touching on issues of empowerment and respect for individual choices in fashion.