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South African actress Pearl Thusi is in her baddie era, as she showed up in a risqué outfit that she wore to musician Murdah Bongz’s (Bongani Mohosana) birthday party.
The Queen Sono actress has been making social media rounds throughout the week after posting a myriad of snaps with a sheer top and her bare breasts. The photos also showcased her in a mini skirt and black jacket.
Once social media caught wind of the spicy images, no time was wasted in dragging the actress.
However, in true Pearl Thusi style, her idea of a clap back was releasing another set of images on Instagram. This time, featuring a sheer bodysuit with a pair of black underwear underneath, her bare breasts, knee-high boots and a black puffer jacket.
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Even in 2023, it seems a woman's choice of clothing can still make headlines. The photos were met with major backlash from social media users, who criticised Thusi, calling her an attention seeker. One user called Thusi a bad role model for young and impressionable girls and women.
The Twitter user wrote:
“I personally don't approve of this. I think it's a bad example for young impressionable kids/girls. I don't think it's liberating... I think it promotes the cheapening of the female body, in the eyes of most men.”
This is Pearl Thusi's body. She has agency & must dress however she wishes, within legal requirements.But I personally don't approve of this. I think it's a bad example for young impressionable kids/girls. I don't think it's liberating... I think it promotes the cheapening of… pic.twitter.com/Z0l8XTy40x
— Penuel The Black Pen (@GodPenuel) June 12, 2023
The people who keep using the virgin zulu maidens to defend Pearl Thusi's indecent exposure are low key perverted and should be kept away from our children... SIES!!! pic.twitter.com/KJuHu1D9Eg
— Gordon Mashaba ???? (@kagiso_kgm) June 12, 2023
However, other social media users came to Thusi’s rescue, calling the haters bored misogynists who should raise their own children and not give that responsibility to Thusi. One user even questioned when Africans began sexualising breasts since many of our African cultures include attire that showcases women’s breasts.
When did Africans, Nguni’s especially start sexualising breasts?? Pearl Thusi is trending because uveze amabele nje!!????
— Kamogelo - NK???? (@nes_kamogelo) June 9, 2023
There's a lot happening in this country then to be worried about Pearl Thusi, a grown successful woman. Lol
— I Have Answers (@DM_KeeyRSA) June 12, 2023
The Instagram post read:
No publicity is bad publicity, and it seems Thusi understands that, as she continues to celebrate her bodily autonomy. One might even be surprised to find that the actress has been snapped in revealing outfits at many points throughout her career.
In 2016, Thusi was featured on the cover of SA magazine True Love. In the photo, the actress once again showed off her nipple, which was met with the same backlash she is currently experiencing. There have been various revealing photos posted on Thusi’s social media accounts over the years.
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The backlash against Thusi only reveals that there is a long journey ahead in the advocacy for women’s bodily autonomy and their liberation. Thankfully, the movement is taking some playful steps along the way.
