Gucci found itself at the center of a scandal after social media users accused the brand of being racist. In the new collection, they found similarities between a turtleneck with a red lip-cut and a blackface (theatrical make-up used to depict an African-American character who is considered racist today. - Ed.).
Many users noted that the brand is acting intolerant, using stereotypical images in its marketing strategy, and also emphasized that it is inappropriate to sell things of this kind, since February is officially considered African American History Month in the United States, when events aimed at combating racism are held throughout the country. …
“We believe that diversity is a fundamental value that must be fully supported, respected and put at the forefront every time we make a decision,” the brand said in a statement. They confirmed that they had removed the item itself from the site and from other Gucci stores.
As a reminder, in mid-December last year, civil lawyer Ciniere Ezi called the Pradamalia collection of accessories racist because of the monkey-shaped key rings that were sold in the store and were used in window dressing. The brand apologized and removed all figurines from sale.
