A non-binary model who runs a campaign for one of Australia’s most famous swimwear brands has hit back at widespread criticism of the new promotion, insisting that “some women have penises”.
Deni Todorovič, 34, who was identified as male at birth but uses she/she pronouns and identifies as non-binary, stars in the campaign for Seafolly, known for its glamorous ads featuring the world’s most famous female models known, including Miranda Kerr and Gigi Hadid, Shanina Shaik, Lara Worthington, Samantha Harris and Jesinta Franklin.
Deni showed off a full beard while posing in a lime green seafolly bikini bottom and matching cover-up for a campaign shoot released just before International Women’s Day.
While some praised the brand for presenting a diverse campaign, hundreds more said they would boycott the company.
Deni Todorovič, 34, who was identified as male at birth but uses she/them pronouns and identifies as non-binary, is leading a campaign for one of Australia’s most iconic swimwear brands, Seafolly
While many praised the brand’s efforts to showcase a diverse campaign, others said they would boycott the brand over the shoot
Author Alexandra Marshall said it felt like the fashion brand was “mocking women” and said it would “never buy again” Seafolly swimsuits.
‘Bye @seafolly. Never again. Have been buying swimsuits from you for many years. Never again,” she posted on Twitter.
“Since when do women have penises in bikini bottoms? This is beyond disgusting, and Deni, you’re trying to eradicate biological women. Regrettable,” one person posted on Instagram.
Deni hit back at the comment in a video accompanying her story, saying: “Let’s be clear about comments like this, yes I see them and yes they affect me but I try not to allow them.
Responding to a comment in a video about her story, Deni said, “Let’s be clear about comments like this, yes I see them, and yes they affect me, but I try not to allow them.”
“I’m going to give this person, I think her name is Jodie, a little education.
“Some women have penises, some trans women don’t feel the need to undergo any sex surgery.
“Some of them can’t afford it. Women come in all shapes and sizes.
“I’m not trying to exterminate women either, darling, I wear bikini bottoms.
“I’m wearing bikini bottoms, which are basically Speedos, which last time I checked people with penises are wearing Speedos,” Deni added.
“Maybe you just need to investigate and dig a little deeper into why wearing a Speedo essentially makes me feel like an assault on your gender identity, because that’s not what I’m trying to do.”
In a second comment, the troll added: “They are happy that a woman is missing out on a job because a man with a penis is pretending to be a woman. Wow.’
Deni then responded, explaining that queer people are “losing jobs all the time.”
“First of all, I’m not a man pretending to be a woman. Not even close,’ they said.
Australian models Jesinta Franklin and Lara Worthington have also represented the brand
Supermodel Gigi Hadid (pictured) is one of Seafolly’s most recognizable former faces
“Second, I’m not trying to steal a job from a woman at all. There were so many women involved in this campaign. Queer people were also involved in this campaign.
“Like Thomas who designed this, like me who is non-binary. We keep missing jobs. So let’s just nuance a little before you troll me like that.
In another clip, Deni praised the campaign and coverage, saying positive representation of non-binary and trans people is “life-saving.”
“This is very unexpected and I am very grateful,” they said.
“Trans people are 15 times more likely to attempt suicide than cis people.
“This small visibility and Seafolly’s incredible response to our collaboration literally has the power to save lives.”
In a previous post, Deni gushed about making “history” in a lengthy Instagram post over the weekend.
“This is the first time legendary Australian swimming giants @seafollyaustralia have teamed up with a trans ambassador/brand partner,” said Deni.
Deni is also one of the national ambassadors for Bonds underwear
Deni’s involvement in the Seafolly campaign has sparked backlash from customers
“As Chief Marketing Officer [for Seafolly] said at our first meeting, ‘It’s the first of many more to come.’ I couldn’t be dearer!’
They added: “We talked about authentic allies and had some very exciting conversations about how the brand can work with the community. This is what ally looks like.’
Deni’s role on Seafolly has been celebrated by a host of celebrities, including former brand ambassador Jesinta Franklin.
Many shoppers also left positive comments on Seafolly’s official Instagram account to celebrate the label’s commitment to diversity.
“As someone who hasn’t shopped at Seafolly in years, I’ll be back! I love seeing brands in an inclusive way and that’s what I want to put my money into,” wrote one woman.
“So amazing to see, Seafolly. I love seeing brands that celebrate pride and inclusion,” added another.
Writer and artist Alexandra Marshall (pictured) said it felt like the fashion brand was “mocking women”.
However, some consumers were less than impressed with Deni’s role at the brand.
‘This is a joke. We support diversity and individual choices, but we don’t want to see women’s clothing that we want to buy on a man’s body…” commented one.
“There are other ways to support pride and individual choices, but not in this way. Sincerely, one of your longtime loyal customers.’
Another wrote: “As a woman, I don’t want to look like that in a bikini.
“I will not buy this product. People need to get back to reality. Stop making our world a circus.”
Due to the negative comments, Seafolly was forced to issue a statement condemning the “hateful language”.
“We’re here to celebrate the Australian beach lifestyle and inspire each other to feel confident on the beach,” the brand said.
“In this community, we do not tolerate abusive, abusive, hateful language, trolling, intentionally disrupting discussions, or spam. Please respect each other’s differences and remember to always be kind.’
Many women agreed with Seafolly’s stance and one wrote: “I am so ashamed of the fanatics in this comment section. Imagine writing horrible things because a person wearing a bathing suit upsets you.’
Deni has become an increasingly formidable name in Australian fashion in recent years.
In 2021, Deni was criticized for turning Melbourne Fashion Week into a “pride parade” by storming the runway with an LGBT flag and a t-shirt with “she/they” printed on the front
Deni has become an increasingly formidable name in Australian fashion in recent years
The gender-bending socialite is also a national ambassador for Bonds underwear.
In 2021, Deni was criticized for turning Melbourne Fashion Week into a “pride parade” while working as a stylist and curator on the event.
While Deni was hired to do backstage work at the event, they shocked onlookers by storming the catwalk with a Pride flag and a t-shirt with “she/they” written on the front, which the models in the fashion show overshadowed.
Deni’s performance reportedly angered fashionistas at the time, with one guest saying her political message “got rammed down our throats”.
“The show was all about Deni. The collection, [and] The designers who worked so hard to bring it together were an afterthought,” a participant told the Herald Sun.
Daily Mail Australia have reached out to Seafolly and Deni for comment.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-11837373/Non-binary-Deni-Todorovic-says-women-penises-trolls-attack-Seafolly-campaign.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 Nonbinary Deni Todorovic Says ‘Some Women Have Penises’ After Trolls Attack Seafolly Campaign
