Riley Gains criticizes Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show for featuring two transgender models. (Image sources: L-Getty, R- Instagram@alexconsani)

Riley Gaines recently voiced her disapproval at the Victoria’s Secret Iconic Fashion Show’s return after a six-year hiatus, particularly due to the inclusion of two transgender models. The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, which usually showcases the brand’s lingerie products, was held on 15 October 2024 in New York.

Since its commencement in 1995, Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show continued to enthrall its fans till 2018 when it faced criticism for neglecting to represent inclusive body types and transgender models.

The 2024 edition redefined its approach and embraced inclusivity by featuring two transgender models – Valentina Sampaio and Alex Consani. Sampaio was seen donning black lingerie, massive black bows tied to her back and a lioness-teased hairdo, completing the look with black fishnet tights and high heels.

Consani sported satin, gray, shiny underwear and top, and angular wings. The model featured the signature bleached eyebrow. Both of them became the first transgender models to walk the runway for Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.

Following the dazzling night, one of Gaines’ allies shared a picture of Sampaio and Consani walking the runway and wrote,

“Two men at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.”

To which, Gaines replied:

“Sooooo the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was a drag show. Got it!”

“How many more stories like this” – Riley Gaines expresses her dissent to the 14-year-old girl’s criticism for speaking out against a transgender athlete

Riley Gaines showed her support to Ahnaleigh Wilson, an 8th grader who gave a confession after losing to a transgender athlete in a track event at the Junior Olympics.

On 18 May 2024, Wilson, a freshman at Eastmont High School, competed in the 1600m race at the Junior Olympics in Cashmere. The athlete settled in second place after finishing behind an alleged transgender athlete from Liberty Bell High School, with a massive gap of seven seconds.

Following the incident Wilson voiced her objection for the first time on 6 October 2024, during Sunday’s Lincoln Day Dinner event at Wenatchee Convention Center. However, the young athlete was subject to harsh criticism and backlash which led her to suffer from anxiety and panic attacks.

Gaines shared the challenges faced by Wilson and wrote:

“How many more stories like this must we hear before the adults stop being cowards and finally do the right thing?”

“I stand with Ahnaleigh,” she added.

Riley Gaines has been a staunch protestor of transgender athletes competing in women’s sports since 2022.