Body Image Movement founder Taryn Brumfitt was forced to defend herself on Sunday, after she praised Lorna Jane Clarkson, the activewear empress who has refused to stock plus-sized clothes in her stores.
Brumfitt, who is currently in the US promoting her body image documentary Embrace, came under fire on Saturday after sharing a picture of herself with the woman behind Lorna Jane at the film's Los Angeles screening.
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A documentary following body image activist Taryn Brumfitt's crusade as she explores the global issue of body loathing, inspiring us to change the way we feel about ourselves and think about our bodies.
The picture, which was posted to Brumfitt's Body Image Movement Facebook page, showed the pair with Emma Isaacs, CEO of Australian women's network, Business Chicks.
"I love dynamic, strong and Unstoppable [sic] women so it should come as no suprise [sic] that I love and adore these two," Brumfitt wrote alongside the picture.
Clarkson has been long criticised for failing to stock above a size 16.
Speaking to news.com.au last month, the entrepreneur, who is reportedly worth over $200 million, said she did not stock above an XL because there was insufficient demand, adding that those who criticised her were "people who don't support [her] brand anyway".
"We make the sizes that sell in our stores," she said.
Brumfitt's followers were quick to point this out.
In a post the next day, Brumfitt said she understood why her followers might be "angered and confused" by her decision to invite Clarkson to the screening, but it had "long been" her intention to have retailers who need to see her film present at screenings.
"My goal was to connect with Lorna and open up a conversation about Embrace, how women are feeling and what I think needs to be done to overcome this epidemic of body shaming and body loathing," she wrote.
Brumfitt added that she did not want to simply preach her message to the choir.
"I would be an ineffective leader if I just comfortably positioned myself and my views in the safety of my community. We could spend the next 50 years talking amongst ourselves about positive body image and our dissatisfaction for the lack of diversity in retail shops, advertising and the media. And do you what the result would be – nothing!"
Brumfitt said that after watching the film, Clarkson told her it "really makes you think about things".
In related news, Brumfitt's has said she is "thrilled" after Embrace managed to receive an M rating in Australia, after it was previously categorised as MA 15+ due to its depiction of labiaplasty.
In a statement released by Distribution Films on Monday, Brumfitt said, "With rates of labiaplasty on the rise, particularly in teens, I knew how important it was to include the educational and informative vulva section in the film.
"Since the film's release I have been told every day that it must be seen in schools and now it can be."
Embrace has grossed over $700,000 since its Australian release in August.