Bette Midler Teams Up With Donald Trump-Themed Perfume For Satirical Ad While Facing Anti-Transgender Speech Controversy
Bette Midler: From Satirizing Trump to Sparking Controversy
Bette Midler, the actress and singer showed off her unrivaled style at the 2017 Tony Awards in a Michael Kors collection. However, Midler is not only known for her performances on stage, but her speeches on political and social issues are just as notable.
In recent years, the feud between Midler and Donald Trump has become a media sensation. She created a satirical ad mocking Trump's themed perfume through a partnership with the news site, Touched by Midas. In the ad, Midler mocked in song, "You smell like a diet king." Not only is this a satire on Trump's image, but it also reflects Midler's dissatisfaction with the current political climate.
However, some of Midler's comments have also sparked controversy; in 2019, she tweeted an emoji quoting Trump's false statement, then apologized after the statement was proven false. Trump responded by calling Midler a "brainwashed lunatic" and a "pathological liar," and the social media feud drew widespread public attention.
Even more concerning, in 2022, Midler made an anti-transgender statement on social media, claiming that recognizing the humanity of transgender people would "erase" women. This statement sparked a huge controversy, with many criticizing her for her narrow viewpoint and pointing out the harm it could cause to the transgender community. Midler was a staunch supporter of gay rights, even performing in gay bathrooms in the early 1970s, so her stance disappointed many of her supporters.
Bette Midler's career has been filled with brilliant accomplishments, but her speeches on social issues also demonstrate the challenges she faces as a public figure. From satirizing political figures to provoking controversial social views, Midler's statements have sparked public dialogue and reflect how easily public figures' statements can become the focus of controversy in today's society.