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Kate Upton has faced an immense wave of Instagram backlash as a photo of her rocking a pantless look shows her holding a lit cigarette. The model, 31, updated her account on May 17 with a shot likely recreating actress Sharon Stone’s famous Basic Instinct scene — while some fans got the reference, others appeared disgusted by the smoking, even accusing Upton of promoting cigarettes.
Kate, who received over 17,000 likes for the share, does not appear to have addressed the backlash. She did, however, gain celebrity approval, with stars including Chrissy Teigen and Addison Rae leaving likes. The Sports Illustrated star is not known to be a current smoker, although she was photographed smoking in the street back in 2013.
Kate Upton Shows Instagram Her Cigarette Snap
Looking near-unrecognizable as she ditched the bouncy blonde curls and bombshell vibe, Kate posed by a window while seated and holding a cigarette in one hand.
Outfitted in a figure-hugging satin top with a blazer-feel and a low neckline, the mom of one ditched the pants and rocked pantyhose while flaunting her toned legs. She smiled as she placed one hand on her knee and sporting slicked-back, short blonde hair.
Looking very much like actress Sharon Stone in 1992 movie Basic Instinct, Kate flashed her pearly whites as she smiled for the camera, with the black-and-white finish further upping the throwback feel.
Fans ‘Disappointed’ And Outraged
In a caption, the Vosa Spirits co-owner wrote: “Reunited with the amazing Sebastian Faena in Paris for this month’s cover of @032c… obsessed with how it turned out, thank you to Ras for the vision and to the team.”
Fans were quick to hone in on the smoking. “What’s with the cigarette?” one asked, gaining over 110 likes. “Smoking still isn’t cool.. shame to find out you’re into that,” another replied. While one fan called the cigarette a “poor choice,” another told the star: “I’m so disappointed in the cigarette…”
That said, many questioned why fans hadn’t noted the Sharon Stone likeness. “It’s weird nobody gets the reference,” one stated, with others actually mentioning the famous police interrogation scene when Sharon’s character Catherine Tramell lights up while being questioned as a murder suspect. Appreciating the photo, one user told the blonde: “Provocative, chic, and giving Sharon stone!!”
Kate has, elsewhere, been making major headlines for a big return to SI Swim, posing for the magazine as it celebrates its 60th anniversary. Also featured as part of the celebrations have been legendary bombshells including Christie Brinkley, Hunter McGrady, Chrissy Teigen, and Chanel Iman.
