Jess Wright Issues Apology After Podcast Controversy
London, 10 March 2026 – Former The Only Way Is Essex star Jess Wright has issued a public apology after facing significant backlash for comments made on her family podcast. Wright, along with her mother Carol and sister Natalya, were criticised for branding women who wear thong bikinis as “gross” and “unacceptable” during an episode of Wright At Home. The remarks, described by critics as “degrading,” sparked a widespread conversation on social media about body-shaming and female solidarity.
The Podcast Backlash
The controversy erupted last week following the release of an episode of the Wright family’s podcast. During the discussion, Jess Wright stated women should “put it away” when referring to thong bikinis, with her mother Carol agreeing and adding that her husband, Mark Wright Sr., found the look “unsexy.” The comments were quickly condemned online, with many accusing the trio of hypocrisy and perpetuating harmful stereotypes. The backlash was amplified across platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where users championed body positivity and called for an end to criticising women’s clothing choices.
Public Apology and Accountability
In response to the mounting criticism, Jess Wright published a heartfelt apology. She acknowledged that the podcast’s judgement was “wrong” and expressed regret for the “degrading” nature of the comments. In her statement, Wright confirmed that she, her mother, and her sister take “full accountability” for their words and vowed to “do better” in the future. The apology was reported by several major outlets, though the incident has continued to generate discussion about the responsibilities of public figures in shaping conversations around women’s bodies.
Key Facts: Jess Wright
Below is a summary of key biographical information for Jess Wright, based on available static data.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jessica Sophia Wright |
| Date of Birth | 14 September 1985 |
| Age (as of 10 March 2026) | 40 years old |
| Place of Birth | Tower Hamlets, London, England |
| Professions | Television personality, model, singer, actress |
| Known For | The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE), Rise of the Footsoldier: The Heist |
| Height | Approx. 5 ft 7 in (170 cm) |
| Public Profile | Co-host of the Wright At Home podcast; 2M+ Instagram followers |
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Jess Wright say about thong bikinis?
On her family podcast, Wright At Home, Jess Wright referred to women wearing thong bikinis as “gross” and said the look was “unacceptable,” suggesting they should “put it away.” Her mother and sister agreed with the sentiment during the discussion.
Has Jess Wright apologised?
Yes. Following significant public backlash, Jess Wright issued an apology in which she stated the comments were “degrading” and wrong. She confirmed that she and her family take full accountability for their words.
What is Jess Wright’s background?
Jess Wright is a television personality, model, and actress best known for her role on the long-running ITVBe reality series The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE). She has also appeared in films and now co-hosts a podcast with her mother and sister.