Kate Upton Goes Topless On Sports Illustrated’s Body-Diversity Swimsuit Cover

There have been some rumors around the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. It was expected from them to release three covers with tennis champ Serena Williams, 63-year-old model Christie Brinkley and Kate Upton.

Upton’s appearance was still in the air because of her diva demands. But they released the 2017 swimsuit issue and it brings us a topless Kate Upton, in three covers instead of one as we were waiting for.

Wow, I feel so honored and excited to be back with Sports Illustrated!! Thank you @si_swimsuit and @mj_day for inviting me to be part of an issue that features and celebrates beauty and confidence in every shape and size #siswim17 #grateful

A post shared by Kate Upton (@kateupton) on Feb 14, 2017 at 9:53pm PST

The Diva got what she wanted

The rumors say that Kate demanded that “if she did the shoot, that she absolutely must get the cover, she also had a list of photographers and hair and makeup people she would only work with.”

After all, she got what she asked for and now we get to see her wearing some extravagant pieces. A waist necklace, wrapped in a tangle of what looks like macrame and bikini bottoms matched with a long-sleeved top.

Real diversity is inside the issue

Even when the theme of this issue was about celebrating “body diversity and age inclusion,” after the drama of the diva, tennis champ Serena Williams and the model and actress Christie Brinkley were moved from the cover. Although there’s a fair amount of diversity inside the issue.

3. The curvy ones

In a video, Plus-size model Ashley Graham who appeared on the inner page, describes her shoot as “high-end Vogue vibes.¨ She made her debut wearing body paint.

🌊@si_swimsuit 2017🌊

A post shared by A S H L E Y G R A H A M (@theashleygraham) on Feb 15, 2017 at 2:26am PST

2. The pro

Christie Brinkley used to have the record of SI. She has appeared on the cover three times: in 1979, 1980, and 1981, but now she is tied with Upton.

Brinkley thought about doing this shoot a lot because of her age but then she realized she would get to do it with her girls so she thought, “One last go!”’

1. The athletes

The lineup of athletes donning bathing suits in SI Swimsuit 2017 is impressive. This year’s SI included athletes like Serena Williams, Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles, Olympic gymnast Ali Raisman, and Canadian tennis player Genie Bouchard. They appeared showing their athletic prowess, powerful bodies, and acrobatic talents, the kind of diversity anyone can admire.