Bette Midler Sparks Controversy with Vulgar Melania Trump Tweet
Bette Midler has never held back from sharing political topics on her social media accounts, but a recent tweet about First Lady Melania Trump has the iconic performer taking more heat than usual.
The tweet in question, posted on November 14, includes an old photo of FLOTUS from her modeling days—specifically a shoot for British GQ back in 2000, according to People. In it, Mrs. Trump is wearing what looks to be a clear plastic bikini adorned with metal accouterments in the cockpit of an airplane. Midler's caption reads, "The dry cleaning bill for the upholstery on Air Force One must be insane. #FLOTITS"
To say that many are Twitter were outraged might be a mild understatement. "You know what? Love you, hate what she stands for but NO. Attack her values or lack thereof 100 percent," one user wrote. "But shaming over showing her body for money when I stand against misogyny makes me uncomfortable no matter the politics of the target." Another said, "What a crass and inelegant remark. Perhaps upbringing is harder to overcome than previously thought. Money hasn't bought you class, Betty."
Others referenced cyber-bullying and the First Lady's efforts to combat it with her Be Best campaign.
It wasn't all haters, though—some Midler supporters found the post funny. "Relax people! Bette’s a comedian with every right to make a joke about that ghastly outfit. I wish #JoanRivers were still around to chime in," a Twitter user wrote. "Now it’s the right wing who is being overly PC...THIS is bullying? Hypocrites."
"You're getting a lot of flack for this tweet from fans," said another. "Not from this fan, I thought it was hysterical. Melania offers nothing for young women to inspire them.
Neither Midler nor Trump's office has made any further comment.
