Russian state TV has drawn global criticism for airing former First Lady Melania Trump’s nude photos from her 2000 British GQ shoot. This incident occurred as part of their coverage of Donald Trump’s 2024 re-election victory. The controversial segment, broadcasted on the Russia-1 channel’s 60 Minutes, displayed explicit images while discussing Melania’s return to the White House.
A Controversial Broadcast
Anchor Yevgeny Popov introduced the segment, stating that Melania was preparing for her new role as First Lady. The show included clips of Donald and Melania at a rally, transitioning to detailed descriptions of her photos from the GQ shoot. Co-host Olga Skabeeva struggled to suppress laughter during the broadcast.
The images, which were taken aboard Trump’s private Boeing 727 in 2000, showed Melania posing provocatively. This display concluded with more explicit photos of Melania, accompanied by Trump’s campaign song, “Y.M.C.A.”
Public Reactions
The broadcast caused outrage on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter). Many viewers condemned the disrespectful nature of the segment, with one user commenting, “Russia is laughing at us.”
This isn’t the first time Melania’s past modeling work has sparked controversy. Similar images were circulated during Trump’s 2016 campaign, with political opponents using them in attack ads.
Melania’s Stance on Her Modeling Career
Despite the backlash, Melania has defended her modeling career. In a video shared on X, she expressed pride in her work, highlighting the artistic value of her photo shoots. She emphasized that celebrating the human form has been a long-standing tradition in art.
Melania began her modeling career as a teenager in Slovenia, eventually working in major fashion hubs like Paris, Milan, and New York. It was during this time that she met Donald Trump at a party in 1998.
A Glimpse Into the Trumps’ Relationship
Melania and Donald’s relationship blossomed quickly, leading to their marriage in 2005. She recalls being impressed by Trump’s energy and confidence during their initial meeting, despite his reputation as a brash New York real estate tycoon.
FAQs
- Why did Russian TV air Melania Trump’s nude photos?
The photos were shown during a segment discussing Donald Trump’s re-election in 2024, sparking criticism for being disrespectful. - What was the origin of these photos?
The images were from a 2000 British GQ photo shoot featuring Melania aboard Trump’s private jet. - How did Melania Trump react to the controversy?
Melania defended her modeling work, emphasizing the artistic value and the tradition of celebrating the human body. - When did Melania begin her modeling career?
She started modeling as a teenager in Slovenia before working in Paris, Milan, and New York. - How did Melania and Donald Trump meet?
The couple met at a New York Fashion Week party in 1998 and married in 2005.