Singer Elle Varner was the target of social media backlash and praise after users accused the star of slut shaming girls.
Yesterday, the star posted a photo of a sign supporting girls’ rights to wear short shorts and bra strap-baring shirts without getting sent home because of supposedly distracted boys. Varner took exception to this, stating the reason for not allowing those kinds of outfits is to prevent early loss of innocence.
The singer calls out the recent feminist movements which embrace women’s personal choices to dress how they please. Amber Rose’s annual SlutWalk is one. The model launched the event to stand against derogatory labeling, sexual injustice, victim blaming and gender inequality, according to the cause’s official website.
“If you want to be loose or provocative then be that!” Varner wrote in part. “But do you really need to encourage young, innocent, impressionable girls to wear shorter shorts and show their bra straps in school!?”
She continues, “The average girl will be of child bearing age at 14 and boys of the same age experience completely natural raging hormones! Kids are curious and mischievous enough without us shoving sex down their throats.”
Varner concludes by asking, “Does it really hurt to encourage them to dress for success, focus on their free education, and preserve their innocence a little while longer?”
She later deleted the post but that did not mean the issue was over. Varner tweeted the following messages later that day.
These girls have the rest of their lives to be grown! In my humble opinion
— Elle Veezy (@ellevarner) June 9, 2016
If you take the boys out of the equation….is the expectation of a girl to dress appropriately in High School an actual issue??
— Elle Veezy (@ellevarner) June 9, 2016
Well folks…I tried to say something positive for my young Queens out there and it got taken in all different contexts.
— Elle Veezy (@ellevarner) June 9, 2016
Something I will definitely speak on in the future but in a different setting….
— Elle Veezy (@ellevarner) June 9, 2016
Much love ❤️✨✈️
— Elle Veezy (@ellevarner) June 9, 2016
It seemed that Varner had ceased talking about the topic but an hour and a half later she shared more thoughts.
The fact that you have to put short in front of the word shorts says a lot…I didn't say wear turtlenecks and ankle skirts.
— Elle Veezy (@ellevarner) June 9, 2016
Nowhere did I say it was okay for boys or men or anyone to sexually objectify a student of any gender or vice versa
— Elle Veezy (@ellevarner) June 9, 2016
I couldn't wear short shorts in high school either…not bc of boys bc school rules are mainly there to prepare students 4 prof. environment
— Elle Veezy (@ellevarner) June 9, 2016
But it's all gravy
— Elle Veezy (@ellevarner) June 9, 2016
Afterward, she received a barrage of tweets reacting on both sides of the issue.
Some did not agree with the “Refill” singer’s statements.
Elle Varner really let me down. Damn it Elle. You so fine. You missed the ENTIRE point. pic.twitter.com/DLW2HcxUAH
— Dr. J (@DrTGIF) June 9, 2016
Read Elle Varner's comments. All bad, tho, no more worse than what you hear from Hoteps every single day on here.
— Xaytone (@XLNB) June 9, 2016
Don't even get me started on the double standards of what Elle Varner said man. I hate how no responsibility is placed on men. It's sick.
— Petty Le Pew (@JustGimmeAMic) June 9, 2016
Others supported her opinion.
I get what @ellevarner is saying in school we had a uniform boys & girls & it had nothing to do with gender it was about professionalism.
— Talia (@TaliaAlana) June 9, 2016
@ellevarner Stand strong! You spoke the truth. You're entitled to your own opinion.
— Lesley Rena. ✨ (@ohhLES_doIT) June 9, 2016
If you know anything about @ellevarner you know she stands for equality. You're fair weather if you think differently off 1 tweet *shrug*
— the Ace of Spades (@AceofSpades1245) June 9, 2016
Trying to find out what's wrong with what @ellevarner posted pic.twitter.com/tDmFHwVI3n
— Tamantha (@Tamantha_5) June 9, 2016
