Gymnast Nastia Liukin Faces Backlash Over Bikini Thirst Traps Amid Maui Wildfires

Gymnast Nastia Liukin is not getting quite the reactions that she might have expected from her bikini snaps.

Over the past week, the Russian-born retired American artistic gymnast has been sharing several photos and videos of her enjoying her vacation in Maui in one colorful bikini after another.

However, considering the tragedy that Hawaii is currently facing due to the wildfires raging on in Maui, many felt that it was “insensitive” and even “classless” for her to post the photos and take up resources that should be going to the residents of Hawaii instead of tourists.

Gymnast Nastia Liukin Is Facing HEAT For Posting Bikini Thirst Traps In Hawaii During Maui Wildfires

One Instagram post that has attracted a lot of attention from social media is a carousel that she posted containing footage of her posing on the cliffs by the sea. She has on a wide-brimmed hat, reflective sunglasses, a tropical-print bikini, and water shoes, which she complained “ruined” her look.

In the caption, she wrote, “When your boyfriend makes you wear ‘water shoes’ to climb on the rocks out of the goodness of his heart / for my safety… but then has to hear me complain the rest of the day how they ruined my look.” Although she might have been making a joke, many thought that it was in bad taste, especially considering how many families in Maui lost their homes, their businesses, and many of their possessions.

The comments on this Instagram post were just as savage as one might expect. “Hey, Nastia, a whole bunch of people just lost everything to fires in Hawaii. Get over yourself and your minuscule problems,” one user commented. “I can’t believe you are posting this right now. I’m so shocked at how insensitive you are being,” another follower agreed.

“Are you in Hawaii? Have you guys been able to volunteer and help? I’ve seen multiple locals saying if you aren’t helping to please go home,” another user wrote. Even though some fans pointed out that she is on another island, not on Maui, others felt that it didn’t make a difference.

‘You being on any island only takes a place from someone who needs it’

“We’re literally telling y’all to go home and stop trying to vacation to Hawai’i during the biggest natural disaster in US History. We need all hotel rooms, condos, and vacation rentals on all islands to house the 15,000 people who are displaced from losing everything. Go home,” another follower wrote.

Another netizen called Nastia “insensitive, selfish, and classless,” adding, “We are furious that visitors like you continue to come here when we’re begging you to stay away. We don’t need your tourism; stop speaking on things you have no experience with.”

“We know what we need, and it’s for you to leave and stay out so Hawaiian people who just lost everything can use those rooms and hotels as a place to stay on their own lands while this natural disaster is cleaned up,” they continued. “You being on any island only takes a place from someone who needs it.”

“To anyone reading this, do not vacation to Hawai’i at this time. Please, respect the community. We need all hotel rooms, condos, and vacation rentals to house the 10’s of thousands who just lost everything,” they added. “And no, Hawai’i does not need your tourism to survive, that was proven after covid. Mexico, the Caribbean, Belize, etc. so many other beautiful places to go see. Go there instead for now.”

Some Fans Are Sticking Up For Nastia Liukin!

Despite the backlash, there were a few who defended her decision to vacation in Hawaii despite the tragedy. “Anyone reading this. Tourists are still welcome to visit all islands except for Maui right now. I’m so sorry for the negative comments from people who are spreading the wrong information,” one user commented. “Seriously! @nastialiukin isn’t responsible for the fires. Anyone treating her like she’s less than because she came to vacation,” another fan agreed.

“1. It’s pretty tone-deaf to be posting this. However, 2. Tourists are still welcome on the other islands unless they say otherwise. 3. Tourism money is, for better or worse, incredibly critical to the Hawaiian economy. If you are taking a trip to one of the other islands, you can go, please be respectful, and consider donating money!” another follower shared.

Her personal trainer, Kira Stokes, was more focused on her shoes, writing, “NO ONE could make water shoes look better… a vibe we all strive for.” She then tagged Nastia’s boyfriend, Ben Weyand, writing that he “knows what’s up.”

It looks like Nastia might be trying to distance herself from the controversy by sharing another video in her hotel room that featured her teasing a bikini underneath a see-through brown dress while declaring herself a “beach cowboy.” That video can be seen here.