Jill Biden's Outfit Prompts Deluge Of Sexist Jokes On Twitter

People on Twitter quickly defended the first lady’s fishnet-like stockings after misogynistic and ageist cracks were hurled her way.
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First lady Jill Biden was photographed exiting Air Force One Thursday wearing an outfit that brought the ugly out of Twitter.

Biden was wearing a black skirt, booties and a pair of tights with a pattern that resembled fishnet stockings.

Jill Biden deplanes at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland on April 1 after a trip to California.
Jill Biden deplanes at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland on April 1 after a trip to California.
MANDEL NGAN via Getty Images

The photos prompted some Twitter users to hurl sexist and ageist jokes at the 69-year-old educator. Numerous tweets called her names like “hag,” “hooker” and “trash.”

Other Twitter users quickly came to Biden’s defense, complimenting her outfit and stressing that women should be free to wear whatever they want. Some also pointed out the absurdity of the outcry.

Controversy surrounding first ladies’ choice in attire is nothing new. Frances Folsom Cleveland — who was just 21 when she married Grover Cleveland at the White House in 1886 — had a penchant for dresses that showed off her bare neck, shoulders and arms, according to Time magazine. This fashion preference spurred the Women’s Christian Temperance Union to issue a petition asking her to stop wearing the dresses, but she continued to wear them anyway.

First lady Michelle Obama and daughter Malia step off Air Force One August 16, 2009, upon arrival at Grand Canyon National Park Airport in Arizona.
First lady Michelle Obama and daughter Malia step off Air Force One August 16, 2009, upon arrival at Grand Canyon National Park Airport in Arizona.
MANDEL NGAN via Getty Images

More recently, Michelle Obama and Melania Trump have also been criticized for their outfits — but for completely different reasons.

In 2009, Obama caused an uproar when she wore shorts deemed too short and inappropriate during a family trip to the Grand Canyon, per Today.

Trump, on the other hand, was criticized for wearing stiletto heels during a visit Hurricane Harvey-stricken Houston, Texas, in 2017 — a look many felt did not translate to “I’m here to help.” In 2018, she spurred outrage after famously donning a jacket that read, “I REALLY DON’T CARE, DO U?,” when visiting immigrant children at the U.S.-Mexico border.

First lady Melania Trump goes on a safari with Nelly Palmeris (R), Park Manager, at the Nairobi National Park in Nairobi, Oct. 5, 2018.
First lady Melania Trump goes on a safari with Nelly Palmeris (R), Park Manager, at the Nairobi National Park in Nairobi, Oct. 5, 2018.
SAUL LOEB via Getty Images

Trump also upset many when she wore an ensemble that was a nod to colonialism during a trip to Kenya in 2018. Her outfit included a white pith helmet, once preferred by Europeans in African colonies and elsewhere.

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