An accessories designer based in New York has come under fire after expressing support for Black Lives when she herself was responsible for aggressive actions toward them and other people of color, some people alleged.
Eugenia Kim, who is best known for her hats, has designed for celebrities such as Madonna, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Katy Perry, Kate Middleton, Bella Hadid and Beyoncé.
In an Instagram post last week, Kim acknowledged the “great racial injustices, inequalities and prejudice” Black people still face in 2020, saying that they bring her “great sadness.”
“Eugenia Kim stands in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. We stand in solidarity with the members of our staff, our partners, our customers and those risking their lives each and every day against acts of brutality and hate. We mourn with the families of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Eric Garner, John Crawford III and the countless others who had their lives taken by those expected to protect and serve,” Kim wrote.
The designer noted that the solution to the problem will require “much support, education and action.” She affirmed her brand’s commitment to creating an equitable workplace and fighting the oppression of Black people.
“I am aware this will not be an easy battle, but I am committed to helping achieve justice while spreading compassion along this journey. Silence is violence,” she added.
Shortly after Kim’s post was published, former employees Tony Liu and Lindsey Schuyler, who now run fashion watchdog @Diet_Prada, called their former boss out for her previous actions toward BIPOC (Black, indigenous and people of color) staff.
At one point, Kim allegedly told staff that “a Black sales assistant couldn’t afford nice things because she was a single Black mom.”
On another occasion, she allegedly fired “a loyal and talented Hispanic sewer for trying to unionize.”
She also allegedly mistreated another Asian when she instructed her design and production team to “mock an immigrant Chinese factory owner’s accent so he would ‘understand better.'”
After @Diet_Prada’s revelation, people sought answers and slammed Kim for her “fake” message of solidarity.
“I’m so disappointed and embarrassed that a fellow Asian woman would mistreat and discriminate against their fellow employees that are of color. DO F*CKING BETTER. Your feed screams that’s you’re only for White woman [sic],” one commented.
NextShark has reached out to Kim for comment. This is a developing story.
Feature Image via Getty
