Caroline Flack's topless photo might be trending, but why are celebrities still sharing nude images online?

It’s official: Caroline Flack has broken the Internet.

The television presenter has been trending on Twitter since the early hours of the morning and it’s all down to one topless snap.

In a Kim Kardashian-inspired move, the 38-year-old shared a photograph of herself applying lipstick in the pool with her arms strategically placed in front of her chest. And overnight, the Instagram shot amassed over 30,000 likes.

But the double-tap of hearts comes hand-in-hand with derogatory comments and GIFs.

So why do the A-list continue to post risqué shots with the knowledge that their image will cause a social media stir?

The evolution of the nude selfie has seen the likes of Lena Dunham, Kim Kardashian and Emily Ratajkowski shed their clothes in the name of Instagram. And for some celebrities, it’s clear that it’s about regaining control from the media’s prying eyes.

Back in 2012 for instance, self-confessed feminist Emily Ratajkowski was branded a hypocrite when she hit back after a photographer planned to publish a book of outtakes from one of her previous shoots.

In an act of defiance, the model took to Twitter to exercise her rights, as she wrote:

“I’ve been resisting speaking publicly on the recently released photos by Jonathan Leder to avoid giving him publicity. But I’ve had enough. This book and the images within them are a violation. These photos being used w/out my permission is an example of exactly the opposite of what I stand for: women choosing when and how they want to share their sexuality and bodies.”

While only recently, notoriously media-shy Sia took to Twitter to publish a naked photograph of herself which a member of the paparazzi was trying to sell to a magazine.

And the rise of the topless image has sadly only highlighted the common misconceptions of feminism.

Back in March, Emma Watson’s feminist credentials came under fire as she posed wearing nothing but a Burberry bolero on the cover of Vanity Fair.

And radio host Julia Hartley-Brewer summed up the controversy surrounding the Tim Walker image in one tweet, “Emma Watson: ‘Feminism, feminism . . . gender wage gap . . . why oh why am I not taken seriously . . . feminism . . . oh, and here are my tits!’ ”

But the actress hit back with sheer bewilderment at the lack of understanding.

In an interview with the BBC, Watson addressed the misconceptions: “Feminism is about giving women choice. Feminism is not a stick with which to beat other women with. It’s about freedom, it’s about liberation, it’s about equality. I really don’t know what my tits have to do with it.”

And one woman who is never afraid to demonstrate the notion that feminism is all about personal empowerment is Kim Kardashian.

Last year, the reality television star took to Instagram to share a nude snap of her and friend Emily Ratajkowski.

And amid controversy, Ratajkowski took to Twitter to write: “However sexual our bodies may be, we need to have the freedom as women to choose when and how we express our sexuality.”

And the powerful image encouraged fellow celebrities to feel #liberated with the likes of Sharon Osbourne taking to social media to bare all.

So if Caroline Flack wishes to post a topless image of herself relaxing on holiday then why shouldn’t she?

Whether it’s down to female empowerment or the right to regain control from the media, it’s a personal choice.

And if that offends you, then scroll on by…

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