Anzac Day bikini selfie series ignites social media firestorm

A Melbourne body builder has come under fire from social media users after posting a scantily clad selfie in ‘honour’ of Anzac Day.

Amanda Doherty’s bikini snaps quickly rose to the top of Instagram’s #AnzacDay hashtag listings but, despite its apparently popularity, a torrent of angry comments saw her quickly remove the photographs.

“Reflecting on life and sending my thoughts and prayers to out to the #anzac #anzacday men and woman... LEST WE FORGET,” she wrote under the images.

The response from other Instagram users was quick and furious.

Many accused her of using the solemn occasion for self promotion. Others demanded she delete the post.

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“There are some things that shouldn't be used in self promotion. Anzac Day isn't an excuse to put your t***s and a***s on social media,” one user wrote before demanding Doherty remove the images.

The post attracted a torrent of comments helping it to the top of Instagram’s post rankings but it appears positive feedback was not the driving force.

Shortly afterwards, Ms Doherty removed her bikini pictures and replaced them with a stock image of a slouch hat and an apology.

“I have much respect for the Anzac Hero’s (sic),” she wrote.

“I apologise if I offended anyone with my last post. Sometimes my life get (sic) busy and I try to do too much to (sic) quick.

Ms Doherty went onto explain she was the daughter of an Australian soldier and grew up in New Guinea. She said she was also the grand daughter and great granddaughter of Australian soldiers.

“I’m proud to be #Australian today and much respect to the current, past and fallen soldiers .. #lestweforget,” she wrote.

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