Plus-Size Model Erin Marley Klay Named Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Rookie One Year After Bikini Body-Shaming Incident
By
Michelle Lee Editorial Assistant, Style & Beauty, PEOPLE People Editorial Guidelines
Hand-rolled, kettle-boiled, baked to perfection. Worth every minute at the bakery.
Summary
Plus-size model and influencer Erin Marley Klay, 25, was announced as a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2026 Rookie, just one year after going viral for clapping back at body-shamers who criticized her appearance in a bikini. The Los Angeles-based model, who started her career at age 21, faced online bullying in summer 2025 but responded with positivity and love. Now she has landed what she calls the biggest job in the swimsuit world, reflecting on the emotional journey from being bullied to achieving this milestone.
Key quotes
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I think when something this big happens, you feel everything kind of later.
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