Seafolly releases statement about the Deni Todorovič backlash.

After the strong backlash against their new brand ambassador
non-binary model Deni Todorovič, the brand Seafolly has released a statement.

“We would like to address the recent coverage of Seafolly’s involvement with Sydney World Pride in which Deni Todorovič was invited as a special guest and wore a custom, not-for-sale Seafolly design.
On Saturday March 4, Deni attended our in-store Sydney World Pride event as our special guest.”

“We chose to host this event to inspire everyone to feel seen, included and confident to be themselves at the beach.”

It was later disclosed by the brand that Deni was not officially representing the brand. The true face of Seafolly was actually Joanna Halpin, a model from the UK.

“This season our Global Ambassador and Face of the Brand is Joanna Halpin, a trailblazing model and photographer. We are passionate about supporting and uplifting women, and to broadening our representation of women living the Australian beach lifestyle.”

“We are proud that our brand is inclusive and supportive of all women, including the LGBTQIA+ community and beyond.”

Todorovič made a video on Thursday, responding to one comment in particular that accused Deni of “trying to eradicate biological women”.

“Let’s be clear about comments like this: yes, I see them, and yes, they do affect me, but I try not to let them”

“I’m going to give this person a little education. Some women do have penises, some trans women don’t feel the need to have any kind of gender [reassignment] surgery. Some of them can’t afford it. Women come in all different shapes and sizes.”

“I’m also not trying to eradicate women, darling. I’m wearing bikini bottoms. I’m wearing bikini bottoms which are basically Speedos – which, last time I checked, people with penises wear Speedos.”

“So many you just need to investigate and dig a little deeper as to why me, in a Speedo essentially, feels like an attack on your gender identity – because that’s not what I’m trying to do.”