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Jess Wright Faces Backlash Over Thong Bikini Comments

Recent Controversy Surrounding Jess Wright

On March 11, 2026, Jess Wright, known for her role on the reality show The Only Way Is Essex, found herself at the center of a social media storm. The controversy arose from comments made during a discussion on her podcast, Wright at Home, where she, along with her mother Carol Wright and sister Natalya Wright, expressed negative opinions about women who wear thong bikinis.

Comments and Backlash

During the podcast episode, Jess claimed that her husband, William-Lee Kemp, “hates” thong bikinis, stating, “Will cannot stand it. He says to me: ‘I cannot understand how she thinks that’s attractive.'” Carol Wright added her perspective, saying she thought thong bikinis were “not sexy for men to look at,” while Natalya suggested that women should wear a sarong if they bend over in such swimwear. These remarks quickly drew criticism, with many social media users labeling the comments as “degrading” and hypocritical, particularly since Jess has worn thong bikinis herself.

Apologies Issued

In response to the backlash, Jess, Carol, and Natalya took to their Instagram Stories to issue an apology. They acknowledged their misjudgment, stating, “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 apology came after the podcast episode containing the controversial comments was removed from social media platforms.

Current State of Affairs

As of now, the Wright family is facing the repercussions of their comments, with many fans and critics still discussing the implications of their statements. The incident has sparked broader conversations about body positivity and the acceptance of different styles of swimwear. Jess Wright’s previous statements and her public persona have led to accusations of hypocrisy, further complicating the situation.

Significance of the Incident

This sequence of events is significant not only for Jess Wright and her family but also for the ongoing dialogue surrounding women’s fashion choices and societal expectations. The backlash highlights the sensitivity of such topics in the public eye, especially for figures like Jess, who have a substantial following. The incident serves as a reminder of the impact that public figures can have on perceptions of body image and self-expression.

Looking Ahead

While Jess Wright and her family have apologized and taken accountability for their comments, the long-term effects of this incident on their public image remain to be seen. The conversation around thong bikinis and women’s rights to choose their swimwear continues, and it is likely that Jess and her family will need to navigate the fallout from this controversy in the coming weeks.

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