Celebrities slammed for baring their souls for magazine
THE LOCAL version of Marie Claire magazine’s Naked Issue might have been intended for a good cause, but this hasn’t stopped people slamming its nude content.
Next month’s issue, which is already out on shelves, features influential South African celebrities posing nude in support of local charities which were closest to their hearts.
The good intentions of the celebs sparked a hot debate on social media as scores of people have questioned the relevance of nudity even though it might be for a good cause.
Among the critics of the edition, @ABIEDO took to Twitter to express his thoughts on the use of nudity for a good cause.
He questioned: “How does taking naked pictures do good for charity? #marieclaire #marieclaireandhermodelsaretrash.”
This sentiment was echoed by @Luthando, who wrote: “Guys, please educate me: how is posing naked for a magazine a protest against rape/abuse? #MCNaked2017.”
However, @SenzelumusaSeth said the Naked Issue could be used for good, and tweeted: “The message behind #MCNaked2017 is so simple though.
“It’s my body, not yours, naked or not. You have no right to lay claim to it.”
@aphiwe_manie said: “#MCNaked2017 I hope all the money you make from selling the mag will actually go to organisations that actually deal with abused women.”
Actress and model Nomzamo Mbatha graces the cover of the Marie Claire edition, and bares it all in support of the Baphumelele Children’s Home, an organisation based in Khayelitsha, Cape Town which cares for orphaned children and young adults with chronic diseases.
According to a post on Marie Claire’s website, Mbatha said that although it wasn’t easy taking her clothes off for the issue, she decided to do it for the greater good.
“It takes courage for a human being to strip and be vulnerable,” she explained.
Also featured in the special issue are models Rosette Ncwana and Sanele Xaba, TV personality K Naomi, radio host Thando Thabethe, and actresses Omuhle Gela and Nicole Fortuin.
They were joined by chefs Ash Heeger, Giles Edwards and Eric Bulpitt, digital entrepreneur Yoliswa Mqoco, fashion designers Nicholas Coutts and Lukhanyo Mdingi, trail runner Ryan Sandes, taste-maker Seth Shezi, DJ Fikile Moeti, performer Moonchild Sanelly and artist Lady Skollie.
This year’s Naked Issue coincides with Mandela Day, which commemorates Nelson Mandela’s birthday on July 17.
This was done to echo the sentiments and values of Mandela Day – giving back and embedding the spirit of change in society.
Marie Claire features editor Lynette Botha said the local stars featured were given free rein in terms of which organisations they wanted to support.
“This year our celebrities chose something close to their heart, which they felt strongly about, whether it be education, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights, animal welfare or women’s rights,” she explained.
Marie Claire online editor Abigail Haworth explained that the rationale for the project was to embrace all body types.
“The essential aim of the campaign is to celebrate different types of bodies, eliminate gender politics, and promote freedom of choice and autonomy over my body,” Haworthsaid. “Female nudity is not about sexualising but rather it is about maintaining social hierarchy like that of class and race.”