Ice Spice is once again at the center of an internet firestorm, this time over what critics are calling an inappropriate “Bikini Bottom” moment at a supposedly family-friendly event. The 25-year-old rapper attended a screening of The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants in New York City on Wednesday, but instead of blending into the nautical nostalgia, she stood out sharply.
Ice Spice arrived in a sheer white Blumarine dress that left little to the imagination, revealing an ivory bra and matching thong beneath the delicate lace and tulle fabric. The look, which apparently retails for $1,589, featured a sweetheart neckline, soft tulle panels at the hips and back, and a ruffled skirt. It’s an unmistakably bold take on method dressing.
Paired with white platform mules and a diamond cross necklace, the outfit was completed by her signature bubblegum-pink hair styled in voluminous waves. Ice Spice also posed alongside costumed SpongeBob and Patrick characters in the video uploaded by Pop Crave, which was later reshared by Paramount Pictures’ social media accounts.
That visibility is what reportedly sparked backlash. Parents and critics online questioned why such a revealing outfit was worn to a PG-rated movie tied to a children’s franchise, with one viral comment summing up the outrage: “Wearing this to a kids event is actually disgusting.” It’s also worth noting that children were present at the screening and event itself.
What Was Ice Spice Doing?
The controversy comes amid a celebratory moment for the Bronx native. Ice Spice actually voices a ticket taker in the animated film and contributed an original song, “Big Guy,” to the soundtrack. It’s a track Ice Spice said took nearly a hundred drafts to perfect. Funny enough, Ice Spice is also a longtime SpongeBob fan, and she’s even named a past song “Bikini Bottom,” making the fashion nod feel intentional, if divisive.
Meanwhile, plenty of people online have something to say about Ice Spice’s choice of attire in a premiere for a kids’ movie. “The concept of her wearing a see through dress right next to SpongeBob and Patrick is just insane,” claims an X user. For the record, the pop star was never known for her family-friendly branding or music.
“Why did they allow HER to make a song for a kids movie,” questions another commenter. Still, some have defended Ice Spice for her choice of attire in a kids’ event, “Im ngl its only adults that find her outfit innaporiate,” claims one commenter. Ice Spice has not publicly addressed the criticism, though The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants hits theaters on December 19.
