Racist celebrities or racist intentions?

At a time when celebrities are coming out and criticising lack of diversity, and whitewashing in showbiz, a host of international celebrities and popular designer labels have, of late, been accused of being racist.

A few days ago, several African-American celebrities such as director Spike Lee and rapper 50 Cent, among others slammed the Italian designer label Gucci for designing a black balaclava jumper, which resembled the racist “blackface”. The brand’s apology didn’t placate many, and Spike Lee, even went on to say that he will boycott products of certain international design labels, till they hire “black designers”.

Rapper 50 Cent, too, burned a pile of Gucci clothes, and said that he will no longer be supporting the brand. “I gotta get rid of all the Gucci I have at home. I’m not supporting their brand anymore, (sic)” he instagrammed a video of himself burning a pile of clothes.

More recently, Katy Perry came under fire, after her designer brand released two pairs of shoes, which resembled blackface. “Ok Katy Perry explain these shoes SMH #blackface #KatyPerry #gucci #gucciblackface #boycott,” a Twitter user wrote. Following the outrage, the shoes were pulled out from the online store, and Katy apologised for the same. “I was saddened when it was brought to my attention that it was being compared to blackface. Our intention was never to inflict any pain,” she said in a statement to Entertainment Tonight.

Another popular international star, who was slammed for his “racist” ideas was actor Liam Neeson. The veteran actor, during an interview, recalling an incident that took place 40 years ago, said that he roamed in the streets of Ireland for a number of days, looking for a “black man” so that he could kill him, after one of Neeson’s friend confided in him that she was raped by a man of colour. Following the interview, the actor was criticised, more for his racist intentions rather than the bloodthirsty views. Despite clarifying, that he is “not a racist” and he would have done the same thing if the man in question was from any other race, Neeson, has been accused of “white toxic masculinity” on social media.

Veteran celebrity, Joanna Lumley, who hosted the recently concluded Bafta Awards was criticised for joking about the White extremist faction — Klu Klux Klan. While talking about Spike Lee’s film at the ceremony, Joanna said, “I’m surprised Blackkklansman did so well at the Klan Film Festival.” NOTE TO READERS: Some of the coverage that appears on our pages is paid for by the concerned brands. No sponsored content does or shall appear in any part of HT without it being declared as such to our valued readers.

PHOTOS: AFP, AP (Clockwise from top right) Katy Perry, a model wearing Gucci’s black balaclava jumper, 50 Cent, Spike Lee and Liam Neeson