Former WAFL Player Faces Backlash Over Controversial Social Media Post
Tom Baulch, a 26-year-old former WAFL player who gained online fame through his fitness brand Prime Train, has found himself at the centre of a significant social media storm. The controversy erupted after Baulch, who recently relocated to Dubai, shared an Instagram post with the provocative title Unfollow Every Female Influencer.
The Controversial Message That Sparked Outrage
In his now-infamous post, Baulch advised his male followers to unfollow every female influencer, specifically suggesting that men should only follow women they are dating or those who won't distract them. He wrote emphatically about controlling lust and maintaining focus on personal goals, stating that men should avoid liking what he termed promiscuous photos from women online.
The response was immediate and overwhelmingly negative. Comments flooded the post, with many users labelling Baulch's take as juvenile and sexist. High-profile Australian influencers including Olivia Rogers, Georgie Parker, and Laura Henshaw joined the chorus of criticism, expressing deep concern about the message's implications.
Comparisons to Andrew Tate and Baulch's Response
Many commenters drew direct parallels between Baulch's rhetoric and that of self-proclaimed misogynist Andrew Tate, with some dubbing him WA's Andrew Tate. In an exclusive interview with PerthNow, Baulch defended his original intent while acknowledging the problematic delivery.
It was the delivery — the feedback was very very clear that the post was done completely the wrong way, Baulch explained. He clarified that his intended message focused on avoiding content creators involved with pornography or OnlyFans, not all female influencers generally.
Baulch revealed an interesting perspective on social media strategy, admitting the post was designed to hook readers in and generate engagement. No one would be commenting if it wasn't some engaging hook, so you run a fine line with a lot of risk — and I guess I flew too close to the sun this time, he reflected.
Academic Analysis of the Controversy
Curtin University professor of gender politics Amy Dobson provided expert analysis of the situation, identifying clear parallels between Baulch's post and discourse promoted by manosphere influencers like Andrew Tate. Professor Dobson highlighted particularly concerning elements of Baulch's messaging.
We can definitely see similar kinds of discourse going on here that this certain masculinity is about self control and the narrative or discourses that women, just by their very existence, disrupt that, Dobson explained. She expressed particular concern about Baulch's focus on promiscuous women, noting how this terminology plays into problematic assumptions about women's self-presentation and sexual behaviour.
Professor Dobson emphasised that such rhetoric contributes to broader cultural issues, stating it plays into violence against women and rape culture by objectifying women and making assumptions based on their online presentation.
Apology and Final Reflections
Following the intense backlash, Baulch issued an apology on Instagram and expressed regret to PerthNow, saying he was 100 per cent sorry if I offended you. However, he maintained that the situation had been blown way out of context and stood by his understanding of his own intentions.
At the end of the day though, I know who I am and I know what I was saying so that's all that really matters, Baulch concluded, highlighting the complex intersection of personal conviction and public perception in the digital age.
The controversy raises important questions about social media responsibility, gender discourse online, and how public figures navigate the fine line between provocative content and harmful messaging in today's digital landscape.
