Emily Ratajkowski has never shied away from being in the public eye, whether through her work as a model, actress, or author. But recently, she found herself at the center of controversy—not for one of her bold fashion choices or outspoken feminist takes, but for calling out an Australian comedian who has been mimicking her social media photos.
Celeste Barber, well-known for her comedic recreations of celebrity images, has made a name for herself by parodying glamorous Instagram posts from high-profile figures like Kylie Jenner, Kim Kardashian, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Bella Hadid. Her exaggerated imitations highlight the often unattainable beauty standards portrayed online, offering a humorous contrast to the seemingly effortless perfection projected by influencers and celebrities.
However, it seems that not everyone finds her satire amusing. Ratajkowski, who frequently posts striking and provocative images of herself, has made it clear that she no longer wants to be part of Barber’s comedic content.
Emily Ratajkowski’s Rise to Fame
At 33 years old, Emily Ratajkowski is one of the most recognizable figures in the entertainment industry. Many first saw her on Nickelodeon’s iCarly, where she played a recurring role. But it was her appearance in the controversial Blurred Lines music video alongside Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams that catapulted her to widespread fame.
Since then, she has transitioned into acting, landing roles in films such as Gone Girl and We Are Your Friends. Her career trajectory has been impressive, but Ratajkowski has also faced challenges that many wouldn’t expect—especially when it comes to being taken seriously as an actress.
She has openly spoken about how her looks have sometimes worked against her professionally. “I’ve gone in for roles and been told I’m too pretty to play the part,” she previously stated. “It’s frustrating because people see you in a certain way and assume that’s all there is to you.”
Her book, My Body, dives deeper into the struggles she has faced in an industry that often grants women power based on their beauty but simultaneously holds them back because of it.
The Comedic Parody That Sparked a Reaction
Barber’s approach to satire has earned her millions of followers, but when she turned her focus to Ratajkowski, the model didn’t take it lightly.
In one of her signature posts, Barber recreated an image of Ratajkowski in a revealing bikini, humorously captioning it: “We are sick of you objectifying our bodies! Also, here’s my a*.”*
While many found the post hilarious, Ratajkowski wasn’t amused. She quietly took action, blocking Barber on social media and making it clear that she didn’t appreciate being part of the joke.
Barber later addressed the situation during an appearance on the Fitzy and Wippa radio show, where she admitted that the model had cut off all interaction.
“I don’t think Emily is a fan,” she said. “That’s okay, she doesn’t have to love it. But she blocked me.”
Why Ratajkowski Says She Took a Stand
After public speculation over why she reacted so strongly, Ratajkowski decided to clarify her stance on her podcast, High Low with EmRata.
“This whole thing with Celeste has been blown out of proportion,” she said. “I actually think she’s really funny, in general. But I just don’t want to be the subject of her jokes anymore.”
She explained that her decision had less to do with disliking Barber’s content and more to do with personal boundaries.
“I want to be able to do my thing—whether that’s writing about the challenges women face in this industry or running my swimwear brand—without being turned into a punchline.”
Ratajkowski also pointed out that women, particularly influencers, are frequently ridiculed for using social media as a means of success.
“We love to mock female influencers, like they’re the most embarrassing, cringe-worthy people on the planet. And honestly, I find that to be incredibly sexist,” she stated.
Celeste Barber’s Response
Barber, known for her sharp wit and unfiltered humor, hasn’t backed down in the face of controversy.
Speaking to Marie Claire, she admitted that she does sometimes hold back, but in this case, she wasn’t too concerned about the criticism.
“I like running my mouth. It’s part of who I am. And yeah, sometimes I censor myself, but most of the time, I just don’t care,” she said.
Barber also acknowledged that in today’s world, public figures can never fully escape criticism.
“One day, people hate what you do, and the next day, they think you’re a genius. You can’t win, so you might as well just do what you want.”
The Bigger Debate: When Does Satire Cross the Line?
The clash between Ratajkowski and Barber raises a broader question—when does satire go too far?
While parody has long been a staple of entertainment, the conversation shifts when the subject of the joke expresses discomfort. Ratajkowski’s argument isn’t just about one Instagram post; it’s about the broader cultural tendency to undermine women, particularly those who profit from their image.
While Barber’s fans argue that her content is all in good fun, others believe that humor should not come at the expense of someone’s consent.
Ratajkowski has built a career by embracing her body, using her platform to explore deeper discussions about female empowerment. For her, being reduced to an internet meme is counterproductive to the conversations she’s trying to start.
However, Barber’s supporters maintain that public figures are, by nature, subject to scrutiny and satire.
At its core, this situation highlights an ongoing tension between personal agency and public perception. Is it fair to expect public figures to laugh along with jokes at their expense? Or should satirists respect when someone wants to be left out of the comedy?
It’s a debate with no clear answer, but one thing is certain—Ratajkowski’s decision to speak out has ignited a conversation that extends far beyond just a few Instagram posts.
