Emily Ratajkowski, the 33-year-old model and actress who gained fame through roles in iCarly and films like Gone Girl and We Are Your Friends, has publicly asked Australian comedian Celeste Barber to stop recreating her Instagram photos. Known for her bold and provocative social media posts, Ratajkowski has seen her pictures turned into comedic parodies, a trend she no longer finds amusing.
From Rising Star to Social Media Sensation
Emily Ratajkowski’s journey to fame began with her role in Nickelodeon’s iCarly and soared after her appearance in Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams’ controversial music video for Blurred Lines. As her career progressed, she became a household name in Hollywood, balancing film roles with a growing presence on social media. Her Instagram feed, featuring risqué and empowering images, has garnered millions of followers.
However, Ratajkowski’s unapologetic expression of confidence through her photos has also made her a target for satirical recreations, particularly by Celeste Barber, who is renowned for her comedic takes on celebrity culture.
Celeste Barber’s Signature Humor
Barber, a well-known Australian comedian, has gained a significant following for her lighthearted and exaggerated recreations of celebrity Instagram posts. Her targets have included high-profile names such as Kylie Jenner, Kim Kardashian, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Bella Hadid. Barber’s parodies often juxtapose the glamor of these celebrities with humorous and relatable twists.
In 2021, Barber mimicked one of Ratajkowski’s bikini-clad poses, captioning the post with biting humor:
“We are sick of you objectifying our bodies! Also, here’s my a**.”
While many found the post hilarious, Ratajkowski has expressed discomfort with being the subject of Barber’s jokes.
Tension Between Ratajkowski and Barber
Barber revealed on the Fitzy and Wippa radio show that Ratajkowski had blocked her on social media, saying:
“I don’t think Emily is a fan. That’s okay, she’s allowed to not love it. But she blocked me.”
Ratajkowski later addressed the situation on her podcast, High Low with EmRata, clarifying her perspective:
“This whole drama with Celeste has been blown out of proportion. I find her to be really funny in general, but I just don’t want her to do this to me anymore.”
The model elaborated that her decision wasn’t solely about Barber’s jokes but about wanting to maintain control over how she is represented, particularly as she navigates the complexities of being both a public figure and a businesswoman.
A Broader Commentary on Female Influencers
In her podcast, Ratajkowski criticized the broader societal tendency to demean female influencers, stating:
“We love to pick on female influencers as if they’re the most cringe, embarrassing people on the planet. I find that fundamentally sexist. Women are hustling to make a living and succeed in a world that often doesn’t protect or respect them.”
She added that while she supports humor, consent plays a critical role in deciding where the line should be drawn:
“I’m not giving her my consent for this joke anymore. It just landed at a specific time for me.”
Barber’s Response to the Controversy
Barber, who is celebrated for her quick wit and unapologetic approach to humor, responded to the backlash in an interview with Marie Claire:
“I like running my mouth off. It’s one of my favorite things about me. But yeah, I do feel like I censor myself sometimes now. Other times, I don’t care and operate from a place of already being canceled.”
She acknowledged the challenges of balancing humor with public scrutiny, expressing a mix of defiance and introspection:
“Good luck to them. They hate what you do one day, then you’re the greatest thing in the world the next.”
Navigating the Complexities of Fame
Ratajkowski’s experience underscores the challenges women face in the public eye. From her reflections on how her looks have impacted her career to her criticism of societal double standards, she continues to advocate for women’s autonomy and agency. Meanwhile, Barber’s humor sheds light on the absurdity of celebrity culture, leaving fans divided on where the line between satire and sensitivity should lie.
