In a controversial move, OnlyFans model Skyler Simpson faces severe backlash for her “disgusting” mock weather report. The stunt, performed in a flooded Florida street during Hurricane Helene, which claimed over 160 lives and caused historic flooding across the Southeastern U.S., has ignited a storm of criticism.
The stunt
Skyler Simpson, clad in a vibrant pink bikini, held an umbrella as she waded through shin-high floods in Tampa. The city experienced wind speeds of up to 67 mph.
“Live, reporting from Tampa Bay, on Bayshore Boulevard I think everybody’s been a little…,” she began, only to be interrupted by ice cubes thrown at her from off-camera.
Despite the storm’s winds flipping her umbrella inside out, Simpson humorously continued, describing the night as “perfect for strolling with your family” as the camera crew splashed water onto her face.
Public reaction
Simpson’s video quickly amassed over 1.8 million views on TikTok and 23,000 likes across X and Instagram. However, many viewers expressed their disapproval, accusing her of insensitivity during a tragedy.
“Hope a portion of the benefits you got through the likes on this reel you sent some help to the families in need,” commented one Instagram user, while another labeled the act as “disgusting.”
Simpson’s defense
In response to the backlash, Simpson defended her video as satire, stating, “Plenty of people actually affected by this have commented and laughed. I had family affected. They know it’s humor of news reporters.”
Despite the negative feedback, Simpson maintained her position, encouraging critics to unfollow if they didn’t appreciate the humor.
Safety concerns
Viewers also highlighted potential safety hazards from standing in floodwaters. Simpson assured followers that she washed off immediately and used hydrogen peroxide.
Hurricane Helene’s impact
Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 storm, made landfall on September 26, causing record flooding in Tampa Bay. Water levels surged over 6 feet in several neighborhoods, reaching 7.19 feet in some areas. The storm resulted in at least 166 fatalities, marking it as the second deadliest in the past two decades, following Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
Skyler Simpson’s controversial weather report has sparked a heated debate on social media, raising questions about the balance between humor and sensitivity during natural disasters.
