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Australian fitness influencer Steph Claire Smith sparked controversy after posting a TikTok video of herself in a bikini while retrieving her son’s goggles from a pool. After some people said her swimwear was inappropriate, the 30-year-old, who is pregnant with her second child, addressed the backlash. She consequently highlighted the societal pressure on mothers to conform to rigid standards.
Highlights
- Steph Claire Smith faces backlash for a bikini video with her son.
- She defends herself, highlighting societal pressure on mothers.
- Steph emphasizes comfort and confidence in her skin.
Taking to her TikTok page earlier this month, Steph shared a video in which she could be seen jumping into her family pool to retrieve her three-year-old Harvey’s goggles, which had fallen into the deep end.
In the video, which has since amassed 1.2 million views, Steph, who is 16 weeks pregnant with her second child, wore a black two-piece bikini with a revealing bottom.
The seemingly innocent clip ignited divided reactions, with some more perverted than others, as a TikTok user questioned: “Sorry, what was this video about?”
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Australian fitness influencer Steph Claire Smith sparked controversy
Image credits: stephclairesmith
A person wrote: “10/10 view.”
Someone else penned: “Can you rescue more stuff from the pool.”
“Naur have some self-respect,” a netizen commented.
Image credits: stephclairesmith
An observer noted: “What a view.”
A separate individual chimed in: “You are the best mum.”
Steph, who is the co-founder of Australian fitness app Kic and the co-host of the Kic Podcast, told News.com.au on Saturday (December 7): “When I watched it back, sure, I noticed my bum was a little on show.
She posted a TikTok video of herself in a bikini while retrieving her son’s goggles from a pool
Image credits: stephclairesmith
“But as someone who started out as a lingerie and bikini model, and who has posted her body online for 13 years now, I didn’t really think twice about it nor did I think it would get some of the backlash that it has.
“I ignored the sexualized comments from men, but the comments that made me frustrated were the comments from any gender mentioning that what I was wearing was ‘inappropriate around a child.’
“I accept people have the right to their own opinion, but it doesn’t mean that opinions always need to be shared.”
Image credits: steph_claire_smith
Steph reportedly found that, since welcoming Harvey with her husband Josh Miller, she has experienced a shift in attitudes toward her.
In a follow-up video on TikTok, Steph continued to address the criticism, defending the “cute” conversation she was having with Harvey by the pool.
She further explained: “Yes, I’m in a bikini, yes, you can see my butt for a lot of the video because the video was from behind.
After some people said her swimwear was inappropriate, the 30-year-old, who is pregnant with her second child, addressed the backlash
Image credits: steph_claire_smith
“Was I aware that my butt was gonna be on show? Yeah I set up the camera, but it wasn’t like ‘Oh I’m gonna set it up on this angle so that my butt is at this perfect angle,’ and like always on, it wasn’t like that.
“I’ve set it up cause I knew I was about to jump in and knew there was likely to be some sort of conversation about his goggles, and I thought it was gonna be cute.”
The soon-to-be mom-of-two went on to explain that her initial video was meant to share a sweet interaction with her son, filmed during a hot day when she felt comfortable wearing a bikini.
The influencer reflected on societal pressures faced by mothers and women to conform to specific standards of “appropriateness,” calling such judgments unfounded.
@steph_claire_smith #mumlife #summer #toddlersoftiktok #pool ♬ original sound – Steph Claire Smith
As a content creator and former model accustomed to sharing swimwear and lingerie content, Steph emphasized staying true to her comfort and confidence, despite external criticism.
She concluded: “I’m very comfortable in my skin and very comfortable in a bikini, so I didn’t think twice about having my butt on the internet.”
Steph subsequently uploaded another video of herself on TikTok in which she flaunted her baby bump in a bikini.
Steph consequently highlighted the societal pressure on mothers to conform to rigid standards
Image credits: stephclairesmith
In the clip, the content creator danced to the lyrics of Lily Allen‘s 2009 hit, F*** You. She captioned the video: “Mums Should Cover Up.”
“I’ve spoken to so many mums about this… With the change in your lifestyle and your body at times, it’s easy to lose touch with your past self,” Steph told News.com.au.
She added: “For me, at times that’s meant not feeling sexy anymore. But when I really thought about why that was, it was because society has set this expectation for what it looks like to be a ‘good mom.’”
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“There are ‘rules’ in the back of our heads making us believe what’s ’appropriate’ for ‘moms’ to wear – which can lead to losing confidence in ourselves and our identities.”
Despite the backlash for her choice in swimwear, Steph reportedly said that she has “always felt more comfortable and confident in bikinis.”
She revealed: “So I refuse to let that rule of ‘having to cover up now because I’m a mum’ dictate what I wear and how I feel in it anymore.”
Steph is the co-founder of Australian fitness app Kic and the co-host of the Kic Podcast
Image credits: stephclairesmith
Steph’s bikini controversy comes after she claimed she lost Instagram followers after announcing she has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder [ADHD], The Daily Mail reported on Thursday (December 5).
She reportedly revealed on Stellar’s Something To Talk About podcast she noticed a “massive spike” in unfollows the day she revealed her ADHD diagnosis.
The model said: “It’s a horrible sentiment online with ADHD over the last couple of years because a lot of people are coming out with this diagnosis.”
Image credits: stephclairesmith
“People think it is this trend and they’re sick of hearing about it so I was very aware of that and it was one of the things that made me very nervous about sharing it.”
ADHD diagnoses have been booming, leading to increased demands for tests and prescription medications across various public health sectors.
From this surge, a troubling gender bias has emerged, as female patients often endure delayed diagnoses, revealing systemic disparities in recognizing ADHD in women, Bored Panda previously reported.
ADHD is a condition that affects people’s behavior. People with ADHD can seem restless, may have trouble concentrating, and may act on impulse.
Steph’s initial TikTok video with her son continued to draw divided comments
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What do you think ?
Joe D 1 week ago
These people are sick in the head if they have these sorts of thoughts about a woman wearing a bikini near her child. Sick minds
Weltschmerz 1 week ago
And this is one of the reasons we have such issues with children and body image and autonomy!
Load More Replies...
Apatheist Account2 1 week ago
Why does it need to be videoed and shared though? Can't people just get on with their own business in private, without documenting every single breath?
Julie S 1 week ago
Yeah couldn't care less what she was wearing but I did think it was a weird thing to share. People's lives must be very boring if watching someone retrieve goggles for the bottom of a swimming pool is exciting for them!
Load More Replies...
Nate B 1 week ago (edited)
“Hmmm…what controversial thing can I do to as an excuse to (accomplish my real goal to) get my butt on camera?” Also, a 3 year old is NOT sexualizing his mother. This is a non-issue. Stop making these people headlines BP.
Forrest Hobbs 1 week ago
Nate B: your points are valid. All that talk of "sexualising" in the original post, though. Oh boy. So, sexually mature adult individual of a sexually reproducing species appears to have had sex and reproduced sexually, and is shown parenting the child who is the result of all that sexual reproduction stuff. She's certainly sexualized. Equally, the little boy isn't and doesn't even understand the concept. Meanwhile his mum is almost certainly deliberately showing off her body - but look at it like this: it takes a lot of work to get back into that sort of shape after giving birth. I expect she feels quite proud of having done so. On the other hand: person wears clothing appropriate for a swimming pool while at a swimming pool is hardly interesting.
Load More Replies...
XenoMurph 1 week ago
US conservatives hate immigrants wearing a Burka. But try the new improved Evangelical Christian Burka! Jesus approved! Now with added gun pockets!
CanadianDimes 1 week ago
But the gun pockets will be too small because it’s women’s clothing
Load More Replies...
- 1 week ago
Someone complained about women who "dress naked" - my oxymoron detector laughed. That aside, little kids aren't generally traumatized by it. Years back in an art class, we had to draw a a nude female model. One student brought her little boy because she couldn't get a babysitter. Someone offered her son pencil and paper. He completely ignored the naked lady and drew trains.
MagicJacket 1 week ago
So...censor the butt photo with a black rectangle but auto-play the video showing it in all its glory? 🤣
Kazza 1 week ago
So a single, child-free, woman can post bikini thong shots all day long and get 1000’s of Likes because thats sexy to men, but if she’s a mum and is pregnant then it’s gross and she has to cover up?
Rahul Pawa 1 week ago (edited)
Yeah, the double standard is what gets me about this. This woman apparently was a lingerie and bikini model for 13 years. Did the same people post similar comments on her modeling photos? Or is it only inappropriate now that she's a mom? OR is it only inappropriate because she's pregnant?
Load More Replies... 
UpupaEpops 1 week ago
So... let me get this straight. People are complaining about Muslim women covering up and are envisioning the downfall of Western Civilisation at the mere sight of a modest swimsuit. So much so, that in France, for example, they are banned. Yet the same people are demanding that mothers show respect (to whom?!) by covering up in here own damn backyard, because OMG, the kid will be forever traumatised at the sight of a pregnant belly. Like??? I hate people.
Lara Verne 1 week ago
OMG, this is outrage! Seriously, some people turn everything into drama.
roddy 1 week ago
Nothing wrong with her clothing, esp. given it's her own yard. And absurd to think her child could be harmed by it. I suspect some people were just commenting on the fact that if you are an underwear model and like to post pictures of yourself wearing a thong bikini, you may be a wee bit of a narcissist. Or a bit oblivious. Nothing sinister or evil about it. She looks great and there's no reason to call her a bad mother.
Nikki Martinez 1 week ago
The Venn diagram of the people upset at her and the people searching for "mom and son" corn is a circle.
Leg less In Minneapolis 1 week ago
Heck, if I looked like that I would walk around naked all the time!!!!!
Mark Childers 1 week ago
It's the human body. We all have them, and we all know what they look like, even kids. Swim suits are made for swimming, and I can only imagine how the heat could get to a pregnant woman, and she'd choose to wear that in her own home with her own kid! When women take their kids into stalls in the toilet because they're the only adult with them, I'm sure they see a lot worse, and no one questions that.
Reta Murphy 1 week ago
I am an old lady boomer (pitchforks and torches), if I looked like that, I would be wearing same thing. I am jelly.
Frieda 1 week ago
I’m laughing. I would like to see every single person that’s complaining put on a bikini and have their picture taken. Then let us talk about everything we think is “wrong” with you. This woman is gorgeous. I’m not pregnant and I wish I looked that good in a bikini! People are just jerks.
Mäandertal 1 week ago
It's just a butt. Is she seeking attention in an awkward manner? Sure. But the butt is not the problem.
KatSaidWhat 5 days ago
Now we're sexualising bikinis in front of children? WTF is wrong with society.
meow point1 1 week ago
I mean, my mum and I used to skinny dip together when I was a kid (granted, I'm a girl but still) and it never led to me having any inappropriate thoughts about her.
Poediddy 1 week ago
This website blocked her rear end.... Power to the woman... but not for fit woman I guess.
Brian Hood 1 week ago
It's a bathing suit. I don't think her kids are looking at her the same way as everybody else is. Long as the front of covered, who cares? She looks great!
Maisey Myles 1 week ago
I’m so glad today’s pregnant women don’t need to hide their ‘baby bump’ under a tent dress like we used to. I’d rather see a pregnant woman in a bikini than someone that’s morbidly obese.
Paul Sloan 1 week ago
A person who makes a living posting pictures of themselves online shouldn't be surprised at the comments good or bad.
Joe D 1 week ago
These people are sick in the head if they have these sorts of thoughts about a woman wearing a bikini near her child. Sick minds
Weltschmerz 1 week ago
And this is one of the reasons we have such issues with children and body image and autonomy!
Load More Replies... Apatheist Account2 1 week ago
Why does it need to be videoed and shared though? Can't people just get on with their own business in private, without documenting every single breath?
Julie S 1 week ago
Yeah couldn't care less what she was wearing but I did think it was a weird thing to share. People's lives must be very boring if watching someone retrieve goggles for the bottom of a swimming pool is exciting for them!
Load More Replies... Nate B 1 week ago (edited)
“Hmmm…what controversial thing can I do to as an excuse to (accomplish my real goal to) get my butt on camera?” Also, a 3 year old is NOT sexualizing his mother. This is a non-issue. Stop making these people headlines BP.
Forrest Hobbs 1 week ago
Nate B: your points are valid. All that talk of "sexualising" in the original post, though. Oh boy. So, sexually mature adult individual of a sexually reproducing species appears to have had sex and reproduced sexually, and is shown parenting the child who is the result of all that sexual reproduction stuff. She's certainly sexualized. Equally, the little boy isn't and doesn't even understand the concept. Meanwhile his mum is almost certainly deliberately showing off her body - but look at it like this: it takes a lot of work to get back into that sort of shape after giving birth. I expect she feels quite proud of having done so. On the other hand: person wears clothing appropriate for a swimming pool while at a swimming pool is hardly interesting.
Load More Replies... XenoMurph 1 week ago
US conservatives hate immigrants wearing a Burka. But try the new improved Evangelical Christian Burka! Jesus approved! Now with added gun pockets!
CanadianDimes 1 week ago
But the gun pockets will be too small because it’s women’s clothing
Load More Replies... - 1 week ago
Someone complained about women who "dress naked" - my oxymoron detector laughed. That aside, little kids aren't generally traumatized by it. Years back in an art class, we had to draw a a nude female model. One student brought her little boy because she couldn't get a babysitter. Someone offered her son pencil and paper. He completely ignored the naked lady and drew trains.
MagicJacket 1 week ago
So...censor the butt photo with a black rectangle but auto-play the video showing it in all its glory? 🤣
Kazza 1 week ago
So a single, child-free, woman can post bikini thong shots all day long and get 1000’s of Likes because thats sexy to men, but if she’s a mum and is pregnant then it’s gross and she has to cover up?
Rahul Pawa 1 week ago (edited)
Yeah, the double standard is what gets me about this. This woman apparently was a lingerie and bikini model for 13 years. Did the same people post similar comments on her modeling photos? Or is it only inappropriate now that she's a mom? OR is it only inappropriate because she's pregnant?
Load More Replies... UpupaEpops 1 week ago
So... let me get this straight. People are complaining about Muslim women covering up and are envisioning the downfall of Western Civilisation at the mere sight of a modest swimsuit. So much so, that in France, for example, they are banned. Yet the same people are demanding that mothers show respect (to whom?!) by covering up in here own damn backyard, because OMG, the kid will be forever traumatised at the sight of a pregnant belly. Like??? I hate people.
Lara Verne 1 week ago
OMG, this is outrage! Seriously, some people turn everything into drama.
roddy 1 week ago
Nothing wrong with her clothing, esp. given it's her own yard. And absurd to think her child could be harmed by it. I suspect some people were just commenting on the fact that if you are an underwear model and like to post pictures of yourself wearing a thong bikini, you may be a wee bit of a narcissist. Or a bit oblivious. Nothing sinister or evil about it. She looks great and there's no reason to call her a bad mother.
Nikki Martinez 1 week ago
The Venn diagram of the people upset at her and the people searching for "mom and son" corn is a circle.
Leg less In Minneapolis 1 week ago
Heck, if I looked like that I would walk around naked all the time!!!!!
Mark Childers 1 week ago
It's the human body. We all have them, and we all know what they look like, even kids. Swim suits are made for swimming, and I can only imagine how the heat could get to a pregnant woman, and she'd choose to wear that in her own home with her own kid! When women take their kids into stalls in the toilet because they're the only adult with them, I'm sure they see a lot worse, and no one questions that.
Reta Murphy 1 week ago
I am an old lady boomer (pitchforks and torches), if I looked like that, I would be wearing same thing. I am jelly.
Frieda 1 week ago
I’m laughing. I would like to see every single person that’s complaining put on a bikini and have their picture taken. Then let us talk about everything we think is “wrong” with you. This woman is gorgeous. I’m not pregnant and I wish I looked that good in a bikini! People are just jerks.
Mäandertal 1 week ago
It's just a butt. Is she seeking attention in an awkward manner? Sure. But the butt is not the problem.
KatSaidWhat 5 days ago
Now we're sexualising bikinis in front of children? WTF is wrong with society.
meow point1 1 week ago
I mean, my mum and I used to skinny dip together when I was a kid (granted, I'm a girl but still) and it never led to me having any inappropriate thoughts about her.
Poediddy 1 week ago
This website blocked her rear end.... Power to the woman... but not for fit woman I guess.
Brian Hood 1 week ago
It's a bathing suit. I don't think her kids are looking at her the same way as everybody else is. Long as the front of covered, who cares? She looks great!
Maisey Myles 1 week ago
I’m so glad today’s pregnant women don’t need to hide their ‘baby bump’ under a tent dress like we used to. I’d rather see a pregnant woman in a bikini than someone that’s morbidly obese.
Paul Sloan 1 week ago
A person who makes a living posting pictures of themselves online shouldn't be surprised at the comments good or bad.
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