Swimsuit models are certainly not shy about sharing images of themselves scantily clad on a beach, but doing so with photos taken on islands being ravaged by Hurricane Irma crosses the line for some on social media.
Three models sent out well wishes and prayers to the inhabitants of Caribbean islands hit by the catastrophic hurricane, and it drew a sharp backlash from social media users accusing them of being tone-deaf and self-absorbed.
Kara Del Toro, a 25-year-old model who has over half-a-million followers on Instagram, had some people scratching their heads on Thursday when she posted a photo of herself relaxing on a beach.
‘Sending positive thoughts and good vibes to the islands right now,’ she wrote on the Instagram post alongside a photo of her posing provocatively in a two-piece bikini.
Kara Del Toro, a 25-year-old model who has over half-a-million followers on Instagram, had some people scratching their heads on Thursday when she posted a photo of herself relaxing on a beach in Turks and Caicos. The photo was taken last month
‘Sending positive thoughts and good vibes to the islands right now,’ she wrote on the Instagram post alongside a photo of her posing provocatively in a two-piece bikini
While Del Toro generated the usual fanfare from people who complimented her on her appearance, there were some who thought the timing of the Instagram post was inappropriate
Del Toro, who rose to fame through the popularity of her Instagram account, defended herself by noting that she is a native of southeastern Texas, which was hit hard last week by Tropical Storm Harvey
The picture was apparently taken earlier this past summer on a beach in Turks and Caicos, which bore the brunt of the Category 5 hurricane on Friday.
So far, Irma has left at least 18 people dead in its path, while wreaking havoc and destruction of property that is likely to cost billions to repair.
Since communication with the islands of Turks and Caicos went down on Friday, there is no word as to the extent of the damage.
While Del Toro generated the usual fanfare from people who complimented her on her appearance, there were some who thought the timing of the Instagram post was inappropriate.
Lana Alexandra, a Ukrainian woman with over 27,000 followers on Instagram, posted an image of herself in sexy lingerie while letting her concerned fans know that she’s ok even though she’s currently in Puerto Rico
Some Instagram users were not amused, with one writing: ‘This is in such bad taste. Millions in the path of a hurricane with their property and lives at stake and your thought is to post this? #idiot’
‘Talk about tone deaf, as people are losing all of their property and in some cases their lives this is what you post? Selfish narcissist,’ wrote one angry Instagram user.
Del Toro, who rose to fame through the popularity of her Instagram account, defended herself by noting that she is a native of southeastern Texas, which was hit hard last week by Tropical Storm Harvey.
‘I also lost my property during Hurricane Ike,’ she wrote.
‘We lost EVERYTHING we owned.. and last week my town was just destroyed by Hurricane Harvey.
‘If you were following me you would know that I have been a STRONG advocate to raising money for all victims people and animals of the last hurricane.
‘I know what it’s like to be in their shoes. I’ve been there.
‘So check your facts before you criticize someone for posting a photo in a beautiful location that has been hit by a storm.
‘I was just there [in Turks and Caicos] last month. I don’t see any problem with sharing a little light in this world.’
Del Toro wasn’t the only Instagram model to absorb backlash for posting half-naked pictures in the midst of Irma’s devastation.
Lana Alexandra, a Ukrainian woman with over 27,000 followers on Instagram, posted an image of herself in sexy lingerie while letting her concerned fans know that she’s ok even though she’s currently in Puerto Rico.
‘Just wanna tell you guys that I’m fine and it wasn’t bad at all! Still have two days of vacation here and going to take as much as I can out of it,’ she wrote.
Some Instagram users were not amused, with one writing: ‘This is in such bad taste. Millions in the path of a hurricane with their property and lives at stake and your thought is to post this? #idiot’
Dana Hamm, an Instagram model from Ohio, decided this week was a good time to post a topless photo of herself swimming near the shore of another island battered by Irma, St. Maarten
Hamm asks her 124,000 followers on Instagram to ‘keep them in your prayers’
The gesture was not well received by some. ‘Why would you post a picture like this for hurricane victims??’ one Instagram user wrote. ‘As anyone can see from the comments, no one is looking at your captions
‘This is the first bikini photo that I would consider pathetic,’ wrote another Instagram user.
‘How about you use your remaining “vacation” time to lend a hand to people.’
Like Del Toro, Alexandra felt the need to answer her naysayers.
‘So I’m the only one who’s posting bikini pics right now??’ she wrote.
‘Why wouldn’t you complain about every bikini pic posted during hurricane Harvey and Irma and coming Jose and Katya? Posting a photo in bikini doesn’t make you heartless person.
‘If you are so caring why do you waste your time checking out my IG account instead of helping people who are victims of hurricane??? Show in action how great you are.’
Dana Hamm, an Instagram model from Ohio, decided this week was a good time to post a topless photo of herself swimming near the shore of another island battered by Irma, St. Maarten.
Hamm asks her 124,000 followers on Instagram to ‘keep them in your prayers.’
‘Sending warm thoughts & positive vibes to beautiful St. Maarten today,’ she wrote.
The gesture was not well received by some.
‘Why would you post a picture like this for hurricane victims??’ one Instagram user wrote.
‘As anyone can see from the comments, no one is looking at your captions.
‘Such a shallow-feeling, self-absorbed post instead of something that is actually thoughtful/meaningful.’
Another Instagram user wrote: ‘Totally inappropriate. Have some decency.’