Christian Wilkins has fired back at online trolls who sent him vile death threats over his racy ARIA Awards red carpet look.
Wilkins, known for his bold fashion statements, shared an unpublishable Instagram DM he’d recieved with his followers, asserting his right to fashion freedom and self-expression.
“Aren’t there bigger issues in the world than me wearing a dress? like sorry I looked hot,” he captioned a screenshot of the disgusting homophobic abuse he’d been messaged, which we have censored.
Wilkins, 28, faced a torrent of criticism for his daring choice of outfit – a sheer, full-body mesh dress.
The ensemble, while celebrated by many for challenging gender norms, drew harsh backlash from some viewers and social media users.
The situation escalated when one troll went as far as wishing a deadly illness upon the star, calling him a “f**king freak,” among other unpublishable slurs.
Wilkins tackled the online abuse head-on.
“Okay, say you didn’t like my dress, I don’t care,” he wrote on Instagram.
“I probably don’t like whatever chino short/short sleeve shirt combo you’re in,” he continued.
“But comments like this towards me or anyone else on my page are wildly irrational, inappropriate and I will not stand it on my page”.
Wilkins expressed his amusement at how upset people get over his fashion choices, but also acknowledged a sadder aspect – the impact such hate can have on younger LGBTQI+ people who lack a strong support network.
“I find it humorous that people get so wound up. I like beautiful things and when I see beautiful garments, I want to wear them,” he said.
Through his fashion, Wilkins aims to inspire and encourage others to embrace their true selves.
“I hope that maybe by dressing the way I do it can encourage others to be themselves too,” he said.
Despite the negativity, Wilkins has received a wave of support from fans and admirers, praising his confidence and unique style.
His parents, including his father, entertainment reporter Richard Wilkins, were credited for instilling in him the confidence to be who he is.
““I love your self belief and your confidence to be you. Your parents have certainly blessed you,” one fan wrote, while another commented: “Absolutely gorgeous.. Christian you sure are a beautiful fashion icon!”
In addition to his ARIAS red carpet outfit, Wilkins made a statement with his after-party look, revealing an equally daring ‘barely there’ outfit on Instagram.
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The centrepiece of his outfit was the Stardust Crystal Bralette by Michael Losord, retailing at $690.
Paired with hip cut-out trousers from Dion Lee and a tennis necklace, the look was accented by the same sleeked-back ponytail he wore on the ARIA Awards red carpet.
News.com.au’s Mary Madigan wrote about the “overwhelming and unsettling” reaction from some sectors of the public yesterday, saying: “There’s still a price men are paying for bucking traditional masculinity and Christian is stuck paying it.”
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