Couture designer Sergeenko faces backlash over racist slur
Posted January 24, 2018 6:00 am
PARIS (AP) - Model Naomi Campbell has led fashion industry insiders in criticizing prominent Paris-based designer Ulyana Sergeenko, who casually used a racist slur in a note to a friend during Paris couture week.
Russian Sergeenko handwrote a note addressed to "my n---s in Paris" alongside a smiley, to blogger Miroslava Duma - who posted a photo of the note online Monday.
Sergeenko said the reference was inspired by a Kanye West track with the same title.
Campbell was among those shocked, and wrote "this better not be real" in reply.
Sergeenko posted an apology Tuesday that made matters worse, saying "and yes, we call each other the N-word sometimes when we want to believe that we are just as cool as these guys who sing it."
FILE - In this July 6, 2015 file photo, designer Ulyana Sergeenko arrives at Christian Dior's fall-winter 2015/2016 Haute Couture fashion collection presented in Paris. Model Naomi Campbell has led fashion industry insiders in criticizing prominent Paris-based couture designer Ulyana Sergeenko who casually used a racist slur in a note to a friend during Paris couture week. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus, File)
The Associated Press
Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked.
If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.