Former Bachelor star Abbie Chatfield has been praised for calling out AFL legend Robert 'Dipper' DiPierdomenic for comments he made about her about her choice of swimwear.
The two are currently competing on Channel 10's I'm A Celebrity Australia and their interaction has sparked a fierce debate on social media.
In an episode this week, Dipper made reference to Abbie's bikini by saying: "You're not going out like that".
Not one to cop such comments on the chin, 25-year-old Abbie fired back with: "Dipper, what does that joke mean?"
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"When a father sees his daughter, you know, grow up. And she's going out to see her boyfriend or whatever and walks out with a mini skirt sort of thing... We're protective," Dipper responded.
"It's like you're ... seeking attention. Asking for ..."
Abbie immediately hit back: "Asking for what?"
The outspoken reality star then pointed out the double standards by adding that fellow contestant Ash Williams wouldn't receive the same comments, despite being mostly shirtless in camp.
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Dipper then said it was simply a 'generational' thing.
Viewers were quick to make their feelings on the dispute known on social media, with many praising Abbie for calling out the comment.
"Thank you @abbiechatfield - you wearing a bikini does not mean you/anyone is 'asking for it'. I felt every tear and your heart pounding as you questioned him," a Twitter user said.
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Another added: "Shoutout to Abbie for standing up for herself because that would have been absolutely terrifying. Let's teach men to not treat women as objects instead of teaching women to dress differently."
Others, however, seemed to side with Dipper's point of view.
"Totally agree with dipper. Absolutely no need to walk around in a bikini like that on a family show. I'm female and I was uncomfortable seeing it," one Twitter user wrote.
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The response to the episode and the strong social media debate that followed, Abbie shared a clip of the interaction on her Instagram while further shedding light on the important conversation.
"Women are told to cover up or risk being accused of asking for it.
"What 'it' is may range from attention to sexual assault. We are told alter our behaviour because men are dangerous.
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"The notion that comments like this exist because men are 'protecting' us is, put bluntly, fucking bulls**t," Abbie declared.
Despite the brief war of words between Abbie and Dipper, it seems it's all water under the bridge for the pair, with the retired sports star later receiving lessons from Abbie on how to perform Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion's famous 'WAP' dance.
The 62-year-old also has since taken to Twitter to comment on the situation, calling Abbie a 'force of nature' and acknowledging his misstep in making the comments in the first place.
"Abby [sic] is an absolute force of nature. I shouldn't have said what I said in camp. I am glad we had the chance to discuss it. It was a learning moment and I am glad we could TWERK it all out in the end," he wrote on Twitter.
Abbie added that she has since received an outpouring of support from mothers and young women who have commended her for standing up for herself and being a strong role model for women.
Featured Image Credit: Network 10Topics: TV and Film, I'm A Celebrity... , Australia
