Munroe Bergdorf hired by Illamasqua after she was sacked by L’Oreal for racism remarks
'If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything'
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Your support makes all the difference.A transgender model fired by L’Oreal for an outburst on social media about racism has been hired by a rival beauty brand.
Munroe Bergdorf was sacked by the French company last month after comments she made on Facebook in the wake of events in Charlottesville were deemed ‘at odds’ with their values.
But now, the story has come full circle with British firm Illamasqua announcing that she will be the face of its new Beauty Spotlight campaign based around gender fluidity.
“Munroe embodies diversity and individuality; she is not scared to be truly herself,” Illamasqua said in a statement.
“But Munroe doesn’t just stop there. She speaks out about the issues that affect not just her but the rest of our generation, seeking to improve the society we live in.”
Recruited by L’Oreal as part of its new diversity initiative and #allworthit campaign, the firing of Bergdorf proved to many fans just how throwaway diversity is within the industry.
In the now deleted Facebook post, the model prompted white people to become aware of systematic racism.
“Most of ya’ll don’t even realise or refuse to acknowledge that your existence, privilege and success as a race is built on the backs, blood and death of people of colour, “ she wrote.
“Your entire existence is drenched in racism.”
In light of the sacking, fellow model and DJ Clara Amfo asked for her images to be removed from the brands True Match campaign while numerous L’Oreal affiliates spoke out in solidarity.
One of which was rival beauty firm Illamasqua who have worked with Bergdorf previously.
“We don’t stand or accept any form of racism, but we also believe Munroe’s comments have been edited out of context by a certain media title (who we won’t bother naming) without telling a true story,” the brand wrote on Twitter.
“In order for our generation to move forward and create a more inclusive society, it’s not just about showing diversity. We must all be free to talk about social issues in a constructive and tolerant way.”
Announcing her new role on Twitter and Instagram, Bergdorf shared a behind the scenes photo of herself from the new campaign, writing, “Excited to announce that I’m one of the faces of the next Illamasqua campaign. If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.”
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