Nike scolded critics to be more “inclusive” in response to backlash over the brand teaming up with LGBT activist and influencer Dylan Mulvaney, a biological male who claims to be a “girl.”
Notably, Mulvaney showed off women’s leggings and a sports bra in the sponsored Nike ad, sparking scores of comments about the erasure of women.
“You are an essential component to the success of your community!” Nike said in a pinned comment on its official Instagram page. “We welcome comments that contribute to a positive and constructive discussion: Be kind ❤️ Be inclusive ❤️Encourage each other ❤️.”
“Hate speech, bullying, or other behaviors that are not in the spirit of a diverse and inclusive community will be deleted,” the comment added.
Nike’s official Instagram account includes the two hashtags “#BlackLivesMatter and #StopAsianHate” and boasts more than 285 million followers.
Mulvaney on Wednesday posted photos and video wearing Zenvy leggings and an Alate bra, captioning the post, “Home for a moment and leaning into cozy workout wear life with [Nike Women]’s newest Zenvy leggings and Alate bra! They’re so comfortable and buttery soft, perfect for workouts and everyday wear! #feelyourall #teamnike #nikepartner.”
In a video promoting the women’s apparel, Mulvaney does high kicks in bare feet to music, outside.
What woman acts like this? pic.twitter.com/z0TjujHGyM
— Julia Song (@realjuliasong) April 5, 2023
“Nike legit paid a dude — with no boobs and a c*** and balls — to put on women’s athletic gear and advertise it to women. You can’t even make this s*** up,” OutKick founder Clay Travis reacted to the partnership, The Daily Wire reported.
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One woman quipped, “Omg thank you Nike for finally making women’s leggings that hold your balls in tight while you twirl around in the yard like a little girl! I’ve been looking everywhere!”
“You say be inclusive yet you exclude women,” a comment said. “Joke of a company, you should be ashamed!”
“Sad that you believe the most demeaning stereotypes of women will be what sell products for you,” another comment read. “There are so many strong athletic women to choose from, and somehow, you chose a man.”
Mulvaney has scored numerous endorsement deals outside of Nike, including with brands like Bud Light, Native, Crest, Ulta Beauty, Instacart, EOS, CeraVe, and possibly tampon brand Tampax. According to a report published in November, it was speculated that Mulvaney last year brought in a cool million dollars from the endorsement deals.
He’s also become a Hollywood favorite, showing off photos with reality star Paris Hilton and actresses Kerry Washington and Drew Barrymore. Mulvaney has been on talk shows, walked the runway at New York Fashion Week, spoken at the 2022 Forbes Power Women’s Summit, and even received a letter from Vice President Kamala Harris gushing over Mulvaney’s one-year marker of “girlhood.”
Related: ‘Stop Giving Them Your Money’: Nike Partners With Dylan Mulvaney, Ignites Fury Online