Australian surfer Rip Curl has deleted a post from its Instagram account featuring trans surfer Sasha Jane Lowerson that sparked a wave of criticism and published a statement clarifying: “The surfer featured has not replaced anyone on the Rip Curl team and is not a sponsored athlete,” reads a new post on social media.

Referring to Bethany Hamilton, who had her contract cut at the end of last year and who is openly critical of transgender women being allowed to compete in women's events.

"Our recent post has brought us into the divisive space around transgender participation in competitive sports. We want to promote surfing for all in a respectful way, but we recognize that we upset many people with our post and we are sorry for that," the statement reads.

The incident had prompted several people to speak ill of the brand and boycott it through posts on social media.

Shop Eat Surf, a surfing business outlet, reported that they asked to interview the brand's CEO, Brooke Ferris, but she refused to comment.

 

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