Bye, haters! Ashley Graham‘s not here for negativity, especially when it’s centered around her body.
In a new Instagram post on Wednesday, July 6, the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model shared a three-photo composite image of herself in a long-sleeve one-piece swimsuit with her shapely legs front and center. “Someone once told me my thighs were ‘cellulite city,'” she revealed in a passionate caption alongside the pics.
But bullies don’t bring her down. “I now realize these thighs tell a story of victory and courage,” she clapped back to the anonymous commenter. “I will not let others dictate what they think my body should look like for their own comfort, and neither should you.”
The model, 28, ended the post with two body-positive hashtags started by her and fellow curvy model Tess Holliday. “#beautybeyondsize #effyourbeautystandards,” she said.
The Addition Elle founder has been outspoken in the past about viewing herself as a role model for body diversity. “This cover is for every woman who felt like she wasn’t beautiful enough because of her size,” she said via Instagram of her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover in February. “You can do and achieve anything you put your mind to. Thank you so much to the entire @si_swimsuit team! I’m so excited to be a part of your family. I love you all!!!! #siswim #beautybeyondsize.”
Graham shared this year’s cover with Ronda Rousey and Hailey Clauson. Past SI Swimsuit issue cover models have included Chrissy Teigen, Elle Macpherson, Tyra Banks and last year’s cover girl, Hannah Davis.
What do you think of Ashley’s message?
