Model Iskra Lawrence Confronts Racist Online Abuse Targeting Her Family
Body positive model and entrepreneur Iskra Lawrence has publicly revealed a torrent of offensive and cruel messages directed at her following the sharing of a heartfelt family photograph. The image celebrated her life with music industry entrepreneur Philip Payne, yet instead of receiving supportive comments, Lawrence was subjected to a barrage of racist remarks from Instagram users.
Unveiling the Hate: A Family Photo Met with Disgust
The 35-year-old British model, renowned for her work with lingerie brands and her advocacy in redefining body image, has long been a vocal critic of body-shaming. Now, she is shifting her focus to confront those attacking her interracial relationship. Lawrence and Payne, who come from different racial backgrounds, first met at a Grammys after-party in 2018, initially forming a friendship before romance blossomed. The couple now shares a young son and daughter together.
After posting the family photo, Lawrence received messages stating that their love was wrong, their children should not exist, and that harm toward them was inevitable. In a powerful response, she reposted the image with the abusive comments overlaid, adding text that read: "This is what racism looks like in 2026. Unfiltered. Unashamed. Loud."
A Call to Action During Black History Month
In her caption, Lawrence penned a poignant message, emphasizing that racism must be named directly without softer language or excuses. She highlighted that Black History Month is not merely for surface-level reflection but a reminder of ongoing work needed in homes, schools, communities, and the stories told to children. "Our family is proud. We celebrate Black excellence. We honour our heritage, and feel so grateful for the generations who fought so our children could exist," she wrote.
The comments section flooded with shock and support from followers. One user urged: "Name it. Call them out, names included. It’s never gonna change if we don’t stand up." Another suggested identifying the abusers' employers to report the comments, to which Lawrence replied: "Right?! How do we make that happen?" American rapper Robbie Tripp also expressed dismay, noting the incredible husband and father Payne is.
From Online Admiration to Lasting Love
On their podcast Coupleish, launched in 2022, Philip Payne recounted how he first saw Lawrence on his Instagram explore page in 2015, immediately drawn to her appearance and English accent. He described her energy as intriguing, leading to a crush that persisted for years. Despite near-misses in meeting through work, their paths finally crossed at the 2018 Grammys party in New York, where Lawrence wore a sparkling sequinned catsuit. Payne recalled spotting her as a "shiny, beautiful, basically, disco ball, walking up the stairs," seizing the moment to introduce himself cautiously to avoid coming on too strong.
Their friendship gradually evolved into love, culminating in their current family life. Lawrence noted that while she typically blocks and deletes hateful comments, this instance compelled her to break her silence, sending a message of love to supporters and condemning the racism faced by her family.
