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Olivia Culpo recently addressed the backlash she faced over her choice of a modest wedding dress for her marriage to Christian McCaffrey. Culpo, who wore a long-sleeved Dolce & Gabbana gown during their Rhode Island ceremony, was criticized after she told Vogue that she "didn't want it to exude sex in any way, shape or form." Many online interpreted her words as pushing a certain standard of modesty on all brides.
In response to the backlash, Culpo clarified in an interview with People, saying, "I was definitely very surprised. I feel like I personally like to give people the benefit of the doubt. And unfortunately, I feel like the words I said were spun out of context to fit an agenda that I did not have. I loved every part of my wedding because I love my husband and the people we got to celebrate that day with The choices that I made are because I wanted to feel like they're choices I could be proud of in 50 years. And that's it."
Despite the criticism, Culpo remains proud of her wedding day choices. She noted, "The simplicity of everything made it feel timeless and classic and traditional," and described her other outfits as "ethereal and romantic" and "fun and playful."
Critics, including TikTok user Kennedy Bingham, argued that Culpo's comments about modesty were problematic, suggesting that her emphasis on a "sexless" design could be seen as endorsing patriarchal values. Bingham pointed out, "It has been documented that it does not matter what women wear, they will be sexualized if someone wants to sexualize them." Bingham also criticized the lack of personality in Culpo's dress, calling it "nothing" and "the absence of personality."
Culpo's husband, Christian McCaffrey, defended her against these critiques. He responded to Bingham's post, writing, "What an evil thing to post online. I hope you can find joy and peace in the world, the way my beautiful wife does." Culpo also addressed Bingham directly, "Wow what an absolutely evil person you are. I hope no one ever tears you apart in this way because it's extremely hurtful. I love this dress and it was everything I ever wanted and more."
Throughout the controversy, Culpo has encouraged other brides to stay true to themselves, stating, "No matter what you wear, no matter what your decisions are from your makeup to your hair, to the gown, you will look absolutely beautiful because it's a beautiful day."
