Ariel Winter to people trolling her bikini pics: women are not ‘asking for it’

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A photo posted by Ariel Winter (@arielwinter) on


Ariel Winter, 17, recently Instagrammed a sweet picture of herself in a bikini posing on a boat with her nieces. As far as celebrity bikini photos go, hers was really tame, especially compared to what we usually see. It was more like a “nice family moment” than a perfectly angled selfie or the obvious Photoshopping so many celebrities do. (Looking at you, Kim Zolciak.) Apparently people made horrible comments on Winter’s photo, as so often happens to celebrities, particularly women, and she was motivated to respond. She made a follow-up post telling women that no matter what they’re wearing they’re not “asking for it” as was suggested to her.

Who knew that an innocent photo with my nieces would turn into this? The height of a girl's skirt or whatever she is wearing for that matter, does not imply what she is asking for. It sickens me to think at 17 years old, a photo of myself with my nieces is suggesting that I'm "asking for it". I typically never give power to the mean things people bravely say behind their computer screens on the Internet, but this is for the girls who are constantly bullied whether it be online or at school.. You are not asking for anything because of what you are wearing- you are expressing yourself and don't you ever think you deserve the negativity as the consequence to what you are wearing- YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL. Celebrate you and don't let anyone's comments allow you to think less of yourself. Us girls have to stick together!!!!!!

A photo posted by Ariel Winter (@arielwinter) on

That was very well put. The thing that gets me is that the “asking for it” comments don’t even make any sense, not that trolls and misogynists usually do, because she’s on a damn boat. She’s obviously on vacation and that bikini is pretty tame, it even has a bandeau top! I just wasted too much time trying to understand comments which are obviously completely unreasonable.

I like how Winter explained it and how she made it about all women, particularly young women who are on social media and are susceptible to this type of b.s. I’m impressed with how she fought back. Winter has often impressed me with how mature she sounds. She revealed to the press back in August that she underwent a breast reduction after she “couldn’t find a bathing suit that fit me.” So she finally feels comfortable enough to wear and post a bikini pic and she gets vitriol online for it. The way these social media sites are moderated really needs to change.

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photo credit: WENN.com. These photos are from October. Ariel is shown with her boyfriend, Laurent Claude Gaudette

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17 Responses to “Ariel Winter to people trolling her bikini pics: women are not ‘asking for it’”

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  1. Nancy says:

    She is young and seems sweet and innocent. She will learn that when in the public eye, everything you say, or post or imply will get reactions from random internet people. The only way to keep yourself safe from any of the above is to stay off of social media which is virtually impossible for young women. And….no I don’t think she’s asking for “it.” IT is just what it is. Afterthought: Imagine if Kylie Jenner or her type were to have the same values as this young lady….oh what a wonderful world it would be.

  2. GoodNamesAllTaken says:

    As tired as I am of women of all ages posting pictures of themselves in bikinis on social media (or in clothes, for that matter), she’s absolutely right and handled the situation well. There is nothing provocative about the picture, and even if there was, the “asking for it” mentality is sickening.

    • Joaneu says:

      Absolutely agree, GNAT. I don’t understand the fuss over her picture. She looks lovely and appropriate, as do her two nieces.

      • SloaneY says:

        It’s only because, even after a reduction, she still has rather large breasts. Which is nothing she can help. Actually, she already has done something. It’s quite a tasteful bikini considering it’s probably still hard for her to find ones that fit her well.
        Kudos to her.

      • pinetree13 says:

        I agree SloaneY. They are extra critical of her because she has large breasts. It’s disgusting how some people are. She’s a child for crying out loud. Yes, she’s developed. That doesn’t make her a sex object.

  3. sarah says:

    I think a lot of the reason for the negative comments; like shaming Ariel for her bikini, telling her to cover up, is because of her body type.
    It baffles me logic like this… because she has big boobs (which she cant hide nor should she feel like she has to) and is naturally curvy she’s “asking for it” when she wears a bikini with her family?

  4. Mimz says:

    Yeah I saw this yesterday and it made me really sad. I went through some of her other ig posts, and some are a little risqué ( but then again what 17 year old girl isnt trying to be sexy these days), but what apalled me was the agressive comments from people calling her fat, obese, ugly… what the hell is wrong with people????

    This is why I keep my accounts private. People are horrible.

    • SamiHami says:

      Seriously? I wish I was “ugly” like that. She’s a very pretty young woman! And even better, she appears to be a very intelligent, well grounded young woman.

    • pinetree13 says:

      If that’s obese I shudder to think what I would be classified as LOL! Kidding aside, these people have issues. Her response was on point.

  5. lucy2 says:

    She’s absolutely right, and I’m glad to see such a young woman standing up for herself and others.

  6. K says:

    Good for her! This was clearly a teenager posting a picture with her little niece, no reason for vitriol. She is a child on vacation.

    She handled this with class and intelligence. These young girls in Hollywood have been very impressive lately.

  7. Naddie says:

    Stupid people. The picture is clearly a vacation moment, not a vanity move. And if she was putting her body on display, it wouldn’t hurt to just ignore.

  8. Lucy says:

    She officially joins my Golden List along with Zendaya, Amandla, Keke Palmer and J-Hutch.

    • scooter says:

      yes! love all those women.

      no matter what you wear or if you post it online, your body is no one’s business. yes, people are a-holes and will comment, but no one should feel shame for liking their body and being comfortable enough with it to post a picture. good on her for standing up to stupid internet trolls.

    • cd3 says:

      Came to say the same thing. Between her, Zendaya and Amandla, I have some faith that the next generation of women are not all Kardashians.

  9. Dani says:

    I went to high school with her cousin and she’s really such a smart and kind young girl. People love tearing other people down. Sad world we live in.

  10. JenniferJustice says:

    Her bikini is conservative by today’s standards, she’s on a boat with her family, and she’s not being provactive or seeking attention, so I don’t’ get the hate. Must be some really jealous hags out there!