Influencer Mandi Vakili has sparked widespread online backlash after claiming that seeing women breastfeeding in public makes her feel uncomfortable during a podcast episode.
The 34-year-old lifestyle creator voiced her opinions alongside her sister, former Love Island contestant Anna Vakili, in a now-deleted clip from their co-hosted podcast, Sisters In The City.
In the video snippet, which spread rapidly across social media, Mandi stated that she was prepared to speak publicly about her feelings regarding mothers nursing in shared spaces.
"I'm going to be the first one to say it. I don't like it when I see women breastfeeding in public. It makes me uncomfortable," Mandi told viewers in the deleted footage.
Podcast Comments on Nursing in Public
Elaborating on her stance during the podcast episode, Mandi insisted that she was not suggesting mothers should stop feeding their children, describing her statement as a personal opinion.
"Look, I'm not saying don't do it. It's my opinion," she explained. "If I'm just in a restaurant and the woman is next to me with a human sucking on her and her breast is moving, I just get a bit uncomfortable."
She also described feeling uneasy when dining alongside family members, noting that public breastfeeding creates awkward moments for her family.
"I don't really know what to do and sometimes my dad's there and I get uncomfortable around my dad," Mandi added. "My dad gets awkward. We all get awkward."
Mandi went on to challenge common social media discourse surrounding female biology, motherhood, and public nursing.
"Everybody's like women we're free, we're feeding, we're reproducing. We are mother nature," she remarked during the podcast.
Viewers noted that Mandi also performed hand gestures to mimic the action of breastfeeding, an exaggerated physical display that further fueled outrage among social media users.
Social Media Backlash and Viewer Criticism
The podcast excerpt triggered an immediate wave of anger online, with numerous social media users accusing Mandi of promoting misogynistic attitudes and undermining efforts to normalize infant feeding.
One critic commented: "Mandi Vakili saying women breastfeeding in public makes her uncomfortable is so embarrassing for her. Her opinion is rooted in misogyny and pushes the narrative that women's bodies are for the male gaze."
The user continued: "Breasts are literally designed to feed children if it's possible. She can have an opinion - albeit a WEIRD one - but to announce it publicly is wild. Her response was also completely tone deaf, some thoughts should stay thoughts."
Another social media user expressed frustration at the impact on public awareness campaigns, writing: "Years and years of trying to normalise something natural within society for a doris with a mic to try undo it all."
A third viewer shared a lengthy response highlighting the struggles mothers experience when feeding their infants outside the home.
"I'm sorry but calling breastfeeding in public 'uncomfortable' is not just an opinion when we already have mums hiding to feed their babies," the commenter wrote.
"Breastfeeding in public is legal. It isn't sexual, it isn't inappropriate, and it isn't a mum's job to make herself smaller so everyone else feels more comfortable," the post added. "Sisters In The City and Mandi Vakili, you've got to do better girls. I sat and had your podcast when I was lonely and postpartum alone at home for company, this is just so disappointing."
Other critics described the comments as "sickening" and accused Mandi of mocking mothers through her theatrical gestures. One user wrote: "How can you say you just shared an opinion when in actual fact you fully mocked women who choose to breastfeed with your theatrics. Then you choose to over-sexualise breastfeeding."
Another user added: "If it makes you uncomfortable, get up and leave. That's a you problem, not a baby needing to be fed problem."
Mandi Vakili Defense and Toughen Up Response
Following the surge of criticism, Mandi responded to the backlash in a follow-up comment, defending her comments and telling critics to toughen up.
Mandi clarified that her comments specifically targeted uncovered breastfeeding in public eating establishments rather than mothers who cover themselves while nursing.
"I'm not talking about the women who cover and breastfeed. I am saying the women who have their entire boob out next to me while I'm having my eggs florentine at the cafe makes me awkward and uncomfortable," Mandi wrote.
"Nobody said they shouldn't do it or be allowed to do it. But I can share an opinion that it makes me awkward and uncomfortable," she continued. "I also respect your opinion if you disagree."
Mandi went on to criticize modern social media culture, arguing that people have become overly sensitive to differing viewpoints.
"Problem these days is everyone so sensitive and soft and annoyingly 'omg can't believe you said that' that life is becoming muted and dull," she wrote.
"I listen to opinions about me daily that cuss me and what I do, how I live, how I look. And I don't get. I don't get THAT offended. Everyone needs to toughen up... in my opinion," Mandi added.
Despite the widespread anger, some social media users agreed with Mandi's stance. One supporter commented: "I couldn't agree more and I'm a woman!" Another wrote: "Breastfeed in public but cover up. There's so many breastfeeding covers out there." A third added: "Me too tbh it makes me uncomfortable. Nothing wrong with that."
Legal Protections and NHS Breastfeeding Guidance
The debate surrounding Mandi Vakili's comments comes against the backdrop of established legal protections for mothers nursing in public spaces across the United Kingdom.
Under the Equality Act 2010, breastfeeding mothers are legally protected from discrimination in public places, making it unlawful to refuse service to a nursing mother or demand that she leave a business premise.
The legislation covers a wide variety of public venues, including cafes, shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, and public transport networks across Great Britain.
Guidance published on the official NHS England website reinforces these legal rights, offering clear reassurance to parents feeding their children in public.
"You shouldn't ever be made to feel uncomfortable about breastfeeding in public," NHS England guidance advises mothers. "In fact, the Equality Act 2010 has made it illegal for anyone to ask a breastfeeding woman to leave a public place, such as a cafe, shop or public transport."
Background on Anna and Mandi Vakili
Anna Vakili gained national recognition in 2019 after appearing as a contestant on the fifth series of ITV2's hit reality television series Love Island, having previously worked as a registered pharmacist.
Following her appearance on the reality show, Anna built a significant online presence alongside her sister Mandi Vakili, who carved out her own career as a digital content creator and fashion influencer.
The duo co-host the podcast Sisters In The City, where they regularly share personal experiences, lifestyle advice, and opinions on pop culture and societal issues with their online audience.
