Gucci Faces Accusations Of Blackface Racism

2024 Author: Steven Freeman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 08:15

Gucci has always been a brand that is highly recognized and loved by fashionistas. But it cannot be denied that in recent years, thanks to its new creative director Alessandro Michele, it has become one of the most popular and desired on the market. But sadly that does not remove the mark of the controversy, especially when they screw up themselves. It turns out that the company is facing criticism and attack because of one of its designs.

The black sweater marked on its page as the Balaclava Sweater, is long-sleeved and has a high neck, so high that you can also wear it as a mask that has a cutout in the form of red lips. That is why many are accusing them of racism for selling a sweater reminiscent of a blackface - a form of theatrical makeup formerly used by white actors as a way to mock African-Americans.

"Gucci is very apologetic for the offense the balaclava sweater caused," the company said in a statement posted on its Twitter account. "We consider diversity as something fundamental that must be respected and that comes first in any decision we make."

Many people have used their social networks to express their dissatisfaction with the brand, especially due to the unfortunate coincidence of this launch made precisely during African American Heritage Month.

"We are highly committed to continuing to increase diversity in our organization and using this incident as a powerful learning experience for the Gucci team and beyond."

The brand has already removed the piece from its website and also removed it from all its stores around the world. Apparently they learned the lesson.