A Throwback Photo of Christie Brinkley and Alexa Ray Joel Was Deleted By Instagram

Christie Brinkley has a bone to pick with Instagram. The supermodel mom was busy celebrating her return to the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, this time with her two daughters, when Instagram censored one of her snapshots.

Over the weekend Brinkley posted a throwback photo in which she and oldest daughter Alexa Ray Joel — a small child at the time — were walking on the beach. The photo was actually featured in the 1989 Swimsuit Issue. It wasn’t planned, but Alexa Ray was on set playing nearby while her mom was shooting, according to Brinkley’s caption, when she decided to run over and give her mom a hug. Photographer John Zimmerman captured the moment and it made it into the magazine. The purpose of the photo was to point out that she and Alexa Ray are officially the oldest and youngest models to ever appear in the magazine. They are both appearing together this year — Alexa Ray at 31 and Brinkley at 63 years old — along with Brinkley’s other daughter, Sailor Cook, 18.

Sounds innocent enough, right? Well, the problem was that the 3-year-old was naked in the shot. Both of them are shown from the back. Brinkley was only wearing pants (but since the front of her wasn’t shown, nothing was exposed) but Alexa Ray’s baby bum was on display, much like the Coppertone girl.

The published photo caused drama back then — apparently, some people unsubscribed because of the nudity — and it’s still doing so today.

Instagram removed the photo, most likely because of reports that it was inappropriate due to child nudity, and Brinkley had something to say about it. She posted a new version of the photo, one in which her daughter’s butt is cropped out. “Isn’t it a shame that a photo that others deemed iconic and to me was a beautiful loving artful moment, has been removed by people who have issues,” Brinkley captioned the image. “And In 2017 I have to crop this photo to be able to post it … shame on you #Instagram for succumbing to pressure this is a photo of a mother and daughter and pure innocent joy! And to all my friends I’m sorry all your wonderful comments (over 400 of them!) were Lost. #censored #instagram#putitbackoninstagram @si_swimsuit@mj_day @instagram.”

According to Brinkley’s next Instagram post, the original image had over 9,000 likes.

While we cannot know what people were writing on the original image, her followers are being very supportive with comments on the new photos, including a screenshot of the original caption. “Really instagram!?! Then they should delete over half the posts that I see … that was a beautiful picture that captured a lovely moment between a mother and daughter,” one wrote. “We should all make our profile picture of that photo #beautifulmoment #motherdaughter,” suggested another. “It is sad … people need to relax and not make a big fuss about everything,” said a third.

Of course, there were a few who disagreed. “Was not really beautiful … it was awkward and inappropriate good for instagram,” wrote one. Others are defending Instagram for doing its job. “I love you — but as a child victim of an adult perv, I understand IGs position. It’s a tough call. They are trying to be consistent and prevent exploitation.”

What do you think of Brinkley’s situation?

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