Two women pose for snapshots at a coastal Virginia pool. Then a mother allegedly claims they are ‘distracting’ her husband.”

Taking pictures at a swimming pool should hardly be controversial, especially when everyone is dressed for the water. However, two Black women in Coastal Virginia found themselves facing an unexpected complaint while enjoying their day. A mother apparently had a problem with their photo session, even though they weren’t doing anything unusual.

The women weren’t the only visitors taking pictures or wearing bikinis. Still, they were singled out for taking pictures, raising questions about what exactly the mother found inappropriate.

According to Atlanta Black Star, fitness model Denise Deandra and actress Nina Banks were taking photographs at a community pool in Coastal Virginia when an unidentified mother approached them. The women were standing in a corner away from her family, but their photo session apparently bothered her.

That explanation raised more questions 

Deandra shared footage of the confrontation on Instagram on June 1. The mother reportedly complained that the women’s photo session was inappropriate and too distracting for her husband and children. However, Deandra maintained that they were simply enjoying themselves. “We were just minding our business, taking pictures,” she wrote in the caption.

She pointed out that several other people at the pool were wearing two-piece swimsuits and taking photographs. One of the women was even wearing a cover-up.

“Mind you, we weren’t the only people at the pool with two-pieces on, nor the only family taking pictures,” she added.

Deandra believed the woman’s reaction had more to do with her own discomfort than anything the two friends were doing. “I can’t believe she let her insecurity eat her up like that,” she wrote.

The footage shows the unidentified mother, wrapped in a towel, confronting the women. She reportedly objected to their photo session because her husband and children were nearby.

During the exchange, Banks called the woman “insecure,” prompting an immediate response. “I’m not insecure!” the mother shouted.

Banks wasn’t convinced by her explanation. “Tell your husband to look a different direction,” she replied.

However, the woman denied that her husband had been looking at them. Instead, she brought up other family members. “I’ve got sons and nephews over here,” she argued.

That explanation didn’t make much sense to Banks, who pointed out that she also had children at the pool. “My son is here,” Banks responded. “My daughter is right here. I’ve never heard of this in my life. You can’t take pictures at the pool?”

The disagreement was particularly unusual because the women were in a swimming facility where other visitors were also wearing swimwear. Banks ultimately decided not to let the confrontation interrupt their plans.

Turning toward Deandra, she declared, “Let’s take pictures.” The incident also drew attention to how Black visitors can face confrontations at community pools, even while engaging in ordinary activities.

The Instagram video attracted more than 4 million views, with many commenters supporting Deandra and Banks. One viewer found the mother’s reaction amusing. “Y’all did a lot without even trying lol. Just being y’all was enough to ruffle that lady’s feathers,” the person wrote.

Others particularly enjoyed Banks’ response about the woman’s husband. “‘Tell your husband to look a different direction’ belongs on a shirt!!!” another commenter joked.

Several viewers interpreted the confrontation as an example of Black people being unfairly policed in public spaces. “Minding everybody’s business but her own,” one person remarked.

Others questioned why the mother objected to bikinis at a swimming pool, especially when one woman had a cover-up. “Complaining ’bout a bikini under a cover-up. Ma’am, bye,” a viewer commented.

Some believed the complaint came from jealousy rather than any genuine concern about the photographs. “Those photos are GORGEOUS!! She’s just jealous!” one person wrote. Another added, “Don’t become a towel-wrapped hater.”

Despite the confrontation, Deandra and Banks continued taking photographs and later shared some of the pictures online. Their decision to carry on became part of the video’s appeal. Rather than allowing the stranger’s objections to end their photo session, the women continued enjoying their time at the pool.

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