‘Elle’ Breastfeeding Cover Controversy: Nicole Trunfio Turns Heads With Her Son For Magazine


Elle‘s breastfeeding cover controversy is the latest public addition which is really turning heads, and possibly selling magazine subscriptions. Nicole Trunfio was scheduled for the cover photo session, but her son’s cravings at the time resulted in something drawing more than just consumer attention.

The mother and son duo is part of what could be a new wave of change normalizing the act of public breastfeeding. Until recent years, if a new mother needed to feed her child, she had to find someplace private and show discretion away from the public eye, or simply use a bottle and pump. It has generally been considered indecent exposure to show anything more than an average bikini would offer. The fight to normalize the act is still raging.

Activists are looking to change this using everything including Elle‘s June 2015 breastfeeding cover. The controversy proves that the photo is still pushing boundaries for some. Nothing is exposed other than the general shape of Nicole’s breast as son Zion Clark busily suckles away at what would be inappropriate.

Some are still calling the photo too suggestive.

Nicole Trunfio was enthusiastic when the image was released on Instagram, according to the Examiner.

“There is nothing more powerful and beautiful than motherhood. The last thing I want to do is be controversial, so please take this for what it is, let us [normalize breastfeeding]. There is nothing worse than a mother that is judged for feeding her hungry child in public. [We are only human]. I’m so proud of this cover and for what it’s stands for. I obviously don’t look like this while I am breastfeeding but this stands for all women out there, whether you breastfeed or not, we gave birth, we are women, we are mothers. Thank you to [Elle] for being so bold and making such an encouraging, positive, and healthy statement.”

Australia editor Justine Cullen doesn’t see the Elle breastfeeding cover controversy in the same light. According to The Drum, she still insists that the photo is inappropriate for the public.

“In an ideal world no one would have an issue with seeing breastfeeding on the cover of a magazine. But it’s not an ideal world.”

“While there’s nothing provocative about breastfeeding, it is a provocative image to see on the cover of a fashion magazine, and it’s enabled us to contribute to a necessary conversation around normalizing breastfeeding and why that’s so important.”

The magazine was pulled from news stands and replaced with one where Nicole is fully clothed, but still holding Zion. Subscribers will still receive the cover which raised the uproar.

What do you think about the Elle breastfeeding cover controversy?

[Image via Nicole Trunfio / Instagram, Alberto E. Rodriguez / Getty Images]

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