Photographer Gets Rape Threats for Hairy Female Legs in Adidas Photo
A 25-year-old Swedish photographer and model says she has received rape threats after appearing in an Adidas advertising campaign photo baring her hairy legs.
“Using creativity to forge a better tomorrow, it is our values that make a #SUPERSTAR,” writes Adidas. “Arvida Byström (@arvidabystrom) is an artist, photographer, model and cyber sensation. Known for her photography, which questions femininity and gender standards using so-called ‘girly’ aesthetics.”
But Byström has received backlash since the ad campaign started running. In addition to critical comments and a high percentage of downvotes on the YouTube video, Byström says she has been personally threatened for the photo.
“My photo from the @adidasoriginals superstar campaign got a lot of nasty comments last week,” the photographer writes. “Literally I’ve been getting rape threats in my DM inbox.”
“Also thanks for all the love,” Byström adds. “Got a lot of that too.”