Moana Bikini Faces Backlash for Using Male Model in Women's Swimsuit Promotion

Company Defends Decision as a Move Towards Inclusivity and Empowerment

Moana Bikini, an Australian swimwear company, has faced backlash after using a male model, Jake Young, to showcase a women's swimsuit in a promotional video.
Many customers expressed disappointment and confusion, arguing that the company's decision was not empowering to women and was a poor marketing choice.
In response to the criticism, Moana Bikini defended its decision, stating that it has always been an inclusive and empowering brand, accepting all races, ethnicities, body shapes and sizes, genders, and sexual orientations.
Jake Young also defended his participation, stating that the post was empowering a minority and that the backlash was a reflection of the critics' own insecurities.
The company suggested that those who were unhappy with the post could simply keep scrolling or unfollow, framing the issue as a 'them problem,' not an 'us problem.'