Ms. Courtney Stodden, aged 30, attracted notable public attention through a social media post commemorating National Veggie Burger Day. In the post, Ms. Stodden, a model who identifies as nonbinary and utilizes she/her and they/them pronouns interchangeably, was depicted consuming a plant-based burger while dressed in a mesh bikini. The imagery, captured outdoors near a barbecue, included a photograph of Ms. Stodden adopting a pose characterized by an arched back, contributing to the provocative nature of the presentation.
Ms. Stodden captioned the post by expressing pride in their choice to maintain a plant-based diet, describing it as “sexy AF.” The caption further articulated a thematic message emphasizing empowerment, compassion, and intentional living, stating: “It’s National Veggie Burger Day, and we’re serving plant-based realness hotter than the grill, honey.” They continued to frame their dietary choice as an expression of autonomy and identity, declaring, “Being a woman who chooses compassion with a side of sass? That’s power. That’s control. That’s main character energy.” The statement concluded by characterizing the veggie burger as “not just a patty — it’s a whole damn statement,” thereby underscoring its symbolic significance beyond mere sustenance.
Ms. Courtney Stodden further elaborated in the caption accompanying the post, articulating a philosophy of empowerment and ethical choice regarding plant-based diets. The statement included assertions such as: “It’s ‘I don’t need meat to be fierce.’ It’s ‘Yes, I’ll take the avocado, and no, I won’t apologize for it.’ It’s juicy, messy, bold, and unapologetically good for your body and the planet.” Ms. Stodden emphasized that adopting a plant-based lifestyle, irrespective of one’s personal style, constitutes a form of empowerment, stating, “Whether you’re rocking heels or hoodies, your choice to eat plant-based is sexy AF — because nothing’s hotter than a woman who gives a damn.”
The post continued with exhortations to embrace this lifestyle boldly and unapologetically: “So spice up your ketchup game, and take a big, bossy bite of that veggie burger. Let the juices drip like you run the world — because, babe, you do.” The caption concluded with a characterization of plant-based living as “Salty. Sultry. Sustainable. For the baddies with brains, hearts, and a plant-powered bite.”
The social media content featured two images depicting Ms. Stodden in a bikini, followed by a video segment capturing her consuming a plant-based burger in a manner described as “messy yet satisfying.”
The post received commendation from PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), whose official response included: “Preach, vegan queen [applause and crown emojis]. What a beautiful description of the fierce radiance that shines within us when we make compassionate choices. Keep on changing the world and saving animals, one veggie burger at a time [burger emoji].” Ms. Stodden acknowledged the endorsement, responding, “I love my PETA family.”
Ms. Stodden has demonstrated longstanding support for PETA initiatives, including a 2014 event in Washington, D.C., where she promoted plant-based options by serving veggie hotdogs while wearing a minimalistic lettuce bikini.#newsafro_
