Victoria’s Secret’s executive vice president of public relations, Monica Mitro, and chief marketing officer, Ed Razek, did an interview with Vogue where they were asked why the annual fashion show would not go on to include plus-size or transgender models. Razek responded by saying that “transsexuals” do not sell the Victoria’s Secret “fantasy.” Aside from “transsexuals” being considered an offensive term nowadays, claiming that transgender people can not capture the essence of your “feminine” clothing line is offensive and demeaning. Many LGBTQ+ influencers have spoken up against this injustice and have a lot to say. Gigi Gorgeous, Carmen Carrera, Tess Holliday, Kendall Jenner, Nikita Dragun, and many more have made online statements confirming their alliances. Nikita Dragun recently posted a series of photos and videos of herself dressed up as a Victoria’s Secret Angel with an assertive caption: “dear Victoria’s Secret, you said trans women can’t sell the ‘fantasy’ so here i am as a TRANS WOMAN selling the FANTASY!??”
https://twitter.com/NikitaDragun/status/1070453128321847296
When Razek was hounded online for some type of apology, he responded with a tweet:
Many were disappointed with this apology, especially because it doesn’t address his comments about plus-size women. On the other hand, many people feel as though Victoria’s Secret is entitled to control who walks in their shows and models their products. It’s their brand and they don’t have to follow any rules. I understand this “my money, my business” point of view; however, I am a firm believer that all women are beautiful and everyone’s bodies should be celebrated. Victoria’s Secret is entitled to cast whomever they please, however, I’m questioning why they think that different body types are unsellable?