Olivia Jade Giannulli is getting the heat for her latest fashion campaign.
The 26-year-old social media influencer partnered with clothing brand Reformation for a limited-edition apparel launch that directly riffs on her involvement in the 2019 college admissions scandal.
However, while the line benefits an educational charity, her decision to poke fun at the controversy has instantly sparked widespread debate across social media.
Taking part in a photoshoot for Reformation’s limited-edition College Crew line, Olivia posed wearing a gray crewneck sweatshirt emblazoned with the word “College” in bold black lettering across her chest.
Olivia, the daughter of actress Lori Loughlin and designer Mossimo Giannulli, styled the sweater over a white collared shirt alongside dark bottoms.
Another photo from the campaign showed the influencer posing topless behind a red clutch paired with charcoal pleated trousers.
Reformation shared the images in a collaborative post on Instagram, adding a caption that read, “@oliviajade is back on campus in a crew that suits her better than the other kind. Thanks for being a Good Sport, Olivia.”
The caption noted that all proceeds from the sale of the sweater will go to a nonprofit that expands college access and opportunities for students from under-resourced communities.
Critics Slam Olivia Jade Giannulli’s Campaign As ‘Out of Touch’ and Driven by Privilege
While the fashion partnership aims to support educational scholarships, public response to the satirical campaign quickly split social media users into opposing camps.
After the promotional imagery was released, online users flooded the comments with mixed reactions to the lighthearted approach to the scandal.
Many commentators expressed strong backlash toward the brand, describing the marketing effort as “crazy tone deaf” and criticizing the “blatant privilege” on display. “I’m here for the ragebait lol,” one fan wrote.
“Aware this is tongue in cheek, but this is so out of touch lol,” another user retorted.
Some shoppers voiced disappointment with the brand for featuring Olivia instead of other talent, with one commenter writing, “She is not a good sport. She was totally in on that con. I can’t believe you would feature her when there are so many other talents out there.”
“Shame on you!! I have already bought that U Neck cashmere sweater, but on principle, I will not buy anything else where she is the model. I can’t believe you would be so out of touch,” the commenter continued.
Besides the immediate pushback over her new fashion line, public debates regarding Olivia Jade Giannulli’s academic past and ethics have persisted for years.
In 2022, the former “Dancing With the Stars” contestant addressed public scrutiny over her background and work ethic after her family’s involvement in the scandal.
She acknowledged her privileged upbringing through her famous parents and admitted that navigating public perception is complicated because she recognizes how fortunate her lifestyle is compared to average individuals.
However, she also addressed the persistent rumors regarding her high school performance and academic effort. She pushed back against assumptions that she failed or slacked off before entering higher education, as The Blast reported.
The content creator revealed that she actually “had straight A’s” and maintained a diligent study routine throughout high school.
How Lori Loughlin Is Rebuilding Her Life Following The Scandal
While her daughter addresses public misconceptions about her upbringing, Loughlin has spent years quietly rebuilding her personal life and acting career in the aftermath of the controversy.
Following her prison sentence for her involvement in the 2019 college admissions scandal, Loughlin has gradually returned to the entertainment industry with a renewed sense of purpose and gratitude.
According to The Blast, sources close to the actress note that after undergoing significant soul-searching during what she described as a “hellish time,” she has come to view the ordeal as a learning experience.
Though Loughlin deeply regrets her actions and would take them back if given the chance, she has accepted that the past cannot be undone and is now focused on not taking anything for granted.
Lori Loughlin & Mossimo Giannulli Reached The End of Their Marriage After Failing to Overcome Legal Fallout
In addition to rebuilding her life following the scandal, Loughlin has also been navigating the end of her marriage to Mossimo Giannulli.
Although the pair remained together after completing their prison sentences, insiders noted that the scandal marked a severe turning point, creating distance and lingering resentment, per The Blast.
Loughlin reportedly felt her husband spearheaded the actions that led to their arrest, with a source sharing that “The school scandal was a turning point, and they never really connected or recovered their relationship after that.”
As their daughters grew older and the initial public fallout subsided, the couple gradually drifted apart until their marriage ended.
