Newlywed couple criticised for 'tone deaf' wedding photograph inspired by The Handmaid's Tale

'Human subjugation is not a theme for a wedding'

A newlywed couple have been criticised online after posing for wedding photographs in front of a replica of the ‘hanging wall’ from hit television show The Handmaid’s Tale.

The controversial image features Kendra Munro and Torsten Mueller kissing in front of the wall in Cambridge, Canada, alongside photoshopped images of women wearing the iconic red robes and white bonnets from the dystopian series.

Critics have accused both the couple and photographers of being “tone deaf” and completely missing the point of the show in which women are forced into surrogacy as sex slaves.

Photographers Shawn Van Daele and Clint Russell initially shared the image on Facebook alongside the caption: “Praise be! Kendra and Torsten are married! If there’s any The Handmaid’s Tale fans out there, you’ll know most of it is filmed in Cambridge!

“So, as fans of the show, it only seemed fitting for there to be some Handmaid’s in K&T’s wedding photos along the ‘hanging wall’ in Mill Race Park!”

The post was subsequently shared on both Instagram and Twitter by outraged social media users, where it quickly went viral.

Thousands of people quickly commented on and shared the image with many criticising the photograph as “insensitive” and “bad taste”.

“Absolutely damn not. Human subjugation is not a 'theme' for a wedding,” one person wrote.

Another added: “This is in such bad taste, is so f***ing incredibly tone-deaf, and ain’t how you honour this literary work [sic].”

A third person agreed, writing: “Wow, this is deeply disturbing. 'Praise be'? Seriously? I love the show, but this photo is truly puke-worthy."

Following the backlash, Van Daele and Russell came out to defend the image, insisting that the whole point was to start a difficult conversation.

“To all who are upset by this image: We actually totally agree! Mission: accomplished!” the photographers wrote on Facebook.

“Everyone is talking about this issue now, rather than binging on a television series and then not doing anything about what they’re so worked up over until the next season comes out in the spring.”

The duo pointed out that the “hatred, division, fear and breakdown of humanity” featured in the television was being reflected in the critical comments towards the photograph.

“Take a step back and consider you may not actually know the facts, either – that this image was created and put out by a pair of ‘Gender Traitors’ who are no strangers to many of the subplots of oppression, violence, and inequality that run through Margaret’s brilliant work.”

The photographers called on people criticising their work to put their anger into action by participating in women’s marches and supporting equal rights instead of “scrolling through Instagram, knee-jerking your way through comments”.

“Why exactly are you offended? Have you asked yourself? And what are you actively doing about it in the real world?,” the pair concluded.

“We’re thrilled that this is starting a conversation!”

Van Daele and Russell have since removed the photograph from their social media at the request of the couple.

Last year, a lingerie and costume retailer faced criticism for selling a sexualised outfit inspired by the same show for Halloween.

The “Brave Red Maiden” costume sold by Yandy made reference to the outfits female characters are made to wear in the dystopian TV drama.

The brand responded to the backlash with a formal apology and removed the costume from its site.

“Over the last few hours, it has become obvious that our ‘Yandy Brave Red Maiden Costume’ is being seen as a symbol of women’s oppression, rather than an expression of women’s empowerment," a statement said.

“This is unfortunate, as it was not our intention on any level. Our initial inspiration to create the piece was through witnessing its use in recent months as a powerful protest image.

“Given the sincere, heartfelt response, supported by numerous personal stories we’ve received, we are removing the costume from our site."