Calvin Klein slammed for 'pregnant man' in Mother's Day commercial

WASHINGTON (TND) — A Mother's Day advertisement from popular fashion and clothing company Calvin Klein that features a pregnant transgender man is drawing a wave of backlash on social media.

Today, in support of women and mothers all over the world, we’re spotlighting the realities of new families," Calvin Klein writes as the caption for its Instagram post featuring the advertisement.

Several of the post's top replies oppose the brand's decision, including some saying "Goodbye Calvin Klein," "brand canceled," "Blocked," "No longer purchasing this brand," and more. Those top comments all received thousands of likes.

Calvin Klein's Mother's Day post features several parents, couples, and their children, but the inclusion of a transgender couple, Roberto Bete and Erika, which is drawing the most heat. Roberto, who appears male with a beard and body hair, is visibly pregnant.

We can reproduce biologically or from the heart... our role in the world is to love and be loved,” Roberto says in the Calvin Klein advertisement.

Some other comments on the Instagram post are supportive, with some saying “Thank you for sharing different types of motherhood," and "I love to see this anti-exclusivity campaign by a brand as legendary as yours," but those comments also received pushback from critics.

"The marketing team at Calvin Klein believes that men can get pregnant, so it must be true." Alejandro Avila wrote for the conservative outlet OutKick.com.

"Social media was quick to point out that Klein’s posturing new poster was catering to a rare few, meaning it was probably made for brownie points with the woke mob," Avila wrote.

Comedian and conservative talk show host Steven Crowder used the advertisement as the butt of a joke, saying in a tweet: "We have a huge baby formula shortage! The Left says men are the root of all problems, so it's only fair to blame pregnant men right? I wonder what Calvin Klein has to say about this. #calvinklein."

In response to the criticism and backlash generated by its Mother's Day advertisement, Calvin Klein released a statement saying it does not tolerate "intolerance."

We embrace this platform as an inclusive and respectful environment for individualism and self-expression. At Calvin Klein, we tolerate everything except intolerance— any intolerant commentary will be removed, and any accounts issuing hateful statements may be blocked," the company said.

On his personal Instagram account, Roberto Bete shares photos and updates of his pregnancy with over 40,000 followers. Many of his posts receive comments of praise and positivity.

According to an Instagram photo and caption Roberto posted on Friday morning, he has given birth to his child, who is named "Noah."