Irish fitness influencer says women dressing in revealing active wear ‘no different to men going around topless’ after comic Shane Gillis’s ‘gym wh***s’ jibe fuels online pile-on

Irish fitness influencer Niamh Cullen has defended women wearing sports bras and shorts at the gym, arguing that their clothing is no different from men going topless. Her comments follow comedian Shane Gillis’s joke about women’s gym wear on Saturday Night Live, which prompted widespread criticism online.

Cullen said men who object to women’s clothing can themselves pose topless or wear small tops while exercising, and suggested the policing of women’s dress reflects misogynistic or generational attitudes. She also noted the rise in women taking up strength training and competing in Hyrox. Cullen, 34, has more than a quarter of a million social media followers and said close friendships with fellow influencers James Kavanagh and Louise Cooney help counter the loneliness of self-employment.