The Speedo-wearing comedian

Last year, American Idol got a little steamier as Wilhelmina fashion model Mario Adrion took to the stage, impressing judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie with his big…talent. Dressed in just an American flag speedo and a smile, he performed an original, tongue-in-cheek homage to his life as a model. Not destined to be the next big pop singer, his appearance still made him a household name when Perry challenged him to a runway walk-off.

Though it was a comedic appearance, Mario was using his time on the show to spread his message of body positivity and self-love. Mario’s journey to model stardom was not without its bumps and bruises, and he is telling his story through his new roles as a stand-up comedian and social media influencer.

Growing up in a town with only 800 people near Switzerland and France, he surprised his family when he gave up his pursuits as an engineer and headed for the runway. While at college, he posted shirtless pics in a Facebook group for “hot German boys” and was noticed by a talent scout who urged Mario to come to the US for a test photoshoot. Quickly, he was offered an international modeling contract and started shooting campaigns for Tommy Hilfiger, Puma, and Gucci, and worked with the Banana Republic and Bloomingdales. But it was not a simple Cinderella story. Those formative years would serve as boot camp for his future career.

It was rough! There was nobody to really guide me. Modeling is so unpredictable – you can make good money one day, and it can suddenly stop the next. Nobody prepared me for the ups and downs. But I learned how incredible it is to constantly be met with new challenges and to learn about new cultures. The life experience I gained from living in New York, Singapore, Milan, etc at a young age is invaluable!

I used to be so focused on getting the job. But once I let go of that and made it my priority to have fun at the casting I could only win. I walked into castings saying ‘Itsamee Marioo’. That changed everything because I can’t control if I fit their vision for the job, but I can control how I approach the casting.

In addition to the pressures of being a newbie in the modeling business, getting used to life in a foreign country, and dealing with the body issues that come along with being a model, Mario was drugged and sexually assaulted by a photographer. He recounts his traumatic experience in the unlikeliest of places – his stand-up.

There is nothing funny about rape. But sharing my story openly and publicly has helped in the healing process. It has given the assault purpose. I don’t regret what happened if it could help others to avoid being victims.

It took me a long time to even acknowledge that it impacted me. As a man, I thought I had to be strong and not have any emotions around it. But I have trauma from a sexual assault that affects me to this day. So, to everybody dealing with this – I advise you to openly speak about it with friends. You are NOT a burden. And you are allowed to feel. Another big one is that I was blaming myself for what happened. I kept telling myself that I chose to meet the person but at the end of the day nobody is responsible but the awful person who chooses to abuse and disrespect somebody like that.

I openly talked about it on YouTube which helped a lot in my process! I got so many messages from people who have experienced similar things. I now also have a therapist and life coach who help me to actively work on the trauma. My girlfriend has also been a huge part of this process constantly being there for me.

Wait, did he just say girlfriend? He did. Mario has been very open about his sexual journey and how his orientation has evolved.

I am definitely attracted to men.  I love kissing and being emotionally intimate with them. For me, that connection is about being Human not about being of a specific gender. Unfortunately, a lot of my sexual experiences have been non-consensual – so there might be a block or fear of developing a sexual relationship with men. I’m still finding myself.

A large number of Mario’s fans consistently comment on his sexuality, something Mario is reluctant to put a label on.

As a pro, it makes it easier for people to understand what your intentions might be, and it definitely can create a sense of community.

However, every person is uniquely different, and I found labels to be limiting for me; they created pressure to live up to every stereotype attached to the label. I found a unique intimate relationship with my best friend that goes beyond a regular friendship. A lot of people kept pressuring us into labeling it as gay and said that we would have to have sex to make it a valid relationship.

Photo by Veta Horwitz

With the growth of platforms like OnlyFans and influencers dependent on social media to generate income, a large number of male models are being called out for “gay-baiting” – being purposefully elusive as to sexuality to market to the gay community for subscribers and followers. Does Mario consider himself a gay-baiter?

A large portion of my followers are part of the LGBTQ community. I naturally attracted that audience by being an underwear model and working in the fashion industry. I am incredibly thankful for the support and always respond to what my viewers want to see. Of course, that can be seen as exploitative because YouTube is my job and pays my bills. However, a big part of my message is to be close to other men and allow feelings and vulnerabilities that straight men struggle with. Entertaining my viewers and Inspiring people to be more open will always be the main priority. If I can also monetize that even better.

Being a model and successful on social media was not enough for Mario. Not only was his appearance on American Idol and step outside of his comfort level, but it would also challenge the assumptions people have about shirtless guys on Instagram. It would also mark the end of a three-year battle with his self-esteem as a direct result of his abuse.

I always love to challenge myself! As a model, I was always put in a box as a good-looking guy with no talents. I went on American Idol to show the world that I am more than my jawline and six-pack!

I often struggle with the stereotypes around being a model! People assume that I am just dumb, purely relying on my looks. What I’m most proud of in my life however is my creativity and comedy skills. I wanna break those stereotypes and show people that I am more than my abs and speedo!

Now entertaining his audiences with comedy rather than muscle, how have audiences responded to his new endeavor?

At first, they are thrown off because I’m not a typical comedian just based on my looks. So, I have to make fun of myself a lot to win the trust of the audience and to show them I’m not a douche bag. But I have a unique perspective on modeling and on the US as a German. I am really finding my identity as a comedian and am in LOVE with the craft.

Making YouTube videos with millions of views is great! But the feeling of being on stage and feeling the energy of a room and connecting with an audience to bring some laughter and positivity into their lives is my favorite thing in the world.

Though he is making waves with his comedy, you will still often see him in a speedo. Why a speedo?

I LOVE speedos! As a European, I realized a lot of men are afraid to show off their bodies. I want to change that by making speedos great again in America! 

During Mario’s performance on American Idol, judge Luke Bryan remarked that he probably wouldn’t be able to fill out a speedo as well as Mario. Mario was quick to reply with his brand of body positivity. Size doesn’t matter.

I believe porn perpetuates an unattainable beauty image! We are doing a good job with body positivity, especially for women in fashion! Now it’s time for a shlong positivity movement!

With summer here, Mario offers his advice on finding the perfect speedo –

It’s like Harry Potter’s wand! You don’t find it. It finds you.

Even with Mario’s newfound success in comedy, it is not just smooth sailing. As with any influencer, there is constant pressure and anxiety regarding social media.

I have to remind myself that if a video doesn’t perform well, it is not a reflection of my worth as a human being. Luckily, I LOVE what I do so I am okay with the pressure of posting twice a week on YouTube. I’m in love with it. I just need to set clear rules for how I use social media. So, I don’t use social media at all on Sundays, and never before 10 am or after 8 pm.

And how does he deal with social media haters?

I approach it with empathy. If somebody takes time out of their day to bring someone down, then they must have some internal struggles. I try not to engage which can be hard, especially with topics like sexual assault. I had comments saying that it’s my fault I was raped because of how I dress and present myself online. I just had to understand that no matter what I do there will always be people hating.

Who knows where Mario’s next media endeavors will take him, but you can rest assured he will be having a good time doing it…speedo and all.

You can follow Mario on Instagram: @MarioAdrion