Copyright HuffPost
LOADINGERROR LOADING Influencer Hallie Batchelder is facing backlash after she said on her podcast that condoms ruin the mood, calling it a “condom epidemic.” “The last two guys I’ve fucked in the past month have suggested using condoms,” Batchelder said on Thursday’s episode of “Extra Dirty,” a podcast under the Unwell network run by Alex Cooper of “Call Her Daddy.” “And I’m kind of being offended by the condom epidemic. I don’t know how I feel about it. I’m allergic. ... Who likes them?” Advertisement Batchelder continued, saying condoms kill the mood and that she has an IUD, so there’s a low chance she would get pregnant. Listeners took to the podcast’s TikTok to call out Batchelder, writing “This is a huge L take Hallie” and “Everyone doesn’t need a platform.” Condoms protect against sexually transmitted infections, most of which are asymptomatic — meaning you can’t tell if someone is infected by looking at them, and they might not know themselves if they are infected. More than a million curable STIs are contracted every day, according to the World Health Organization. STIs such as herpes, gonorrhoea and syphilis can increase the risk of HIV, and gonorrhoea and chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. Advertisement HPV is the most common STI in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Some HPV strains are low risk and can cause genital warts, while others are high risk and can lead to cervical cancer. But Batchelder doubled down in a TikTok posted Saturday, calling using a condom a “rubber ducky entering” her body. “I said I don’t fuck with condoms and they ruin the vibe,” Batchelder said. “And if that’s what you wanna cancel me for, OK, cancel me and my career. I don’t know what you want me to say. I’m not changing my mind on that one.” Advertisement At the end of the TikTok, she said she was going to take a nap, adding, “I’m formally apologizing for saying that, I guess.” Batchelder reps did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Fans of Batchelder and others called out the influencer, who has nearly 1 million followers across TikTok and Instagram, including Ireland Baldwin, the daughter of actor Alec Baldwin. Baldwin said in a TikTok that her friend’s sister died at 32 years old from cervical and rectal cancer that she got after she contracted the human papillomavirus. “It is particularly harmful that someone like [Batchelder] would make these remarks because she is considered an ‘it’ girl,” Baldwin said. “She is one of these influencers, unfortunately, that we’ve given a platform and says these rage-baity, bullshitty remarks about things for a clip or whatever-the-fuck.” Advertisement Another TikToker, Rachel Issan, pointed out that with the overturn of Roe v. Wade, abortion might not be an option for some, and being pregnant can be more deadly for women in half the country. On top of that, President Donald Trump’s administration has pushed to discredit science and medicine, leading to a rise in wellness influencers declaring that birth control is bad for women. “The audacity for influencers to come online and think that saying that wearing condoms is a vibe killer will not have a significant influence and impact on their audience of ... women and girls in a time where getting pregnant can be very dangerous in certain states now,” Issan said in a TikTok. TruthHas NoBias Your SupportFuelsOur Mission Your SupportFuelsOur Mission We Won’t Back Down As more major networks align with those in power, the space for fearless journalism is shrinking. By becoming a member, you support a newsroom that asks the tough questions, no matter who’s in charge. We remain committed to providing you with the unflinching, fact-based journalism everyone deserves. Thank you again for your support along the way. We’re truly grateful for readers like you! Your initial support helped get us here and bolstered our newsroom, which kept us strong during uncertain times. Now as we continue, we need your help more than ever. We hope you will join us once again. We remain committed to providing you with the unflinching, fact-based journalism everyone deserves. Thank you again for your support along the way. We’re truly grateful for readers like you! Your initial support helped get us here and bolstered our newsroom, which kept us strong during uncertain times. Now as we continue, we need your help more than ever. We hope you will join us once again. Support HuffPost Already a member? Log in to hide these messages. Other TikTokers called out Batchelder, like one who said condoms are about more than preventing pregnancy. Advertisement “It’s about keeping you alive,” the creator said. “You should fuck with condoms. Straight up.”
