#FreeTheNipple: Scout Willis Launches Topless Instagram Protest

They're just boobs, guys...

It’s totally legal to walk the streets of New York City topless. Yet, on Instagram and Vine, several users have had their photos and videos removed for showing too much skin, including Scout Willis, daughter of Demi Moore and Bruce Willis, who decided to take a stand against the social network’s policy. After an image of her in a see-through leotard was removed, she took action by casually running a few errands around the Big Apple topless and posting about it on Twitter.

The brazen 22-year old has jumpstarted what has erupted into a social media frenzy with the hashtag #FreeTheNipple, stirring up an array of confusing images that blur the lines of Instagram’s community guidelines, which state the following:

‘If you wouldn’t show the photo or video you are thinking about uploading to a child, or your boss, or your parents, you probably shouldn’t share it on Instagram. The same rule applies to your profile photo. Accounts found sharing nudity or mature content will be disabled and your access to Instagram may be discontinued.’

We understand what Instagram is getting at, but we’re having trouble grasping where exactly the line is drawn. Singer-songwriter Meghan Tonjes recently made headlines after her ‘Belfie’ was removed from the social site. She responded with some powerful words.

‘This is a body,’ shared Tonjes in a subsequent post. ‘I'd apologize if it makes you uncomfortable, but I don't particularly care about your warped definition of nudity or mature content. Please let me know if when my genitals are completely covered and I'm not doing anything sexual, how much skin is allowed to be seen and how responsible I am for the sexual lust inspired in people who view said body. You created a platform for people to share the human experience through photos. Here's the human experience.’

A new topless travel photos trend is also rising among travelers and tourists. @The_Topless_Tour posts a stream of photos where women (and some men) pose topless, their backs facing the lens. No nips here, but plenty of bums. So, once again, we’re left with no resolve.

What do you think? Let us know in the comment box below...

Got a tablet? Take the new look Marie Claire wherever you go, download straight to your iPad & iPhone, Kindle (just search the store for 'marie claire magazine'), Nook or Google Nexus for only £2.99.