‘I am not racist, I hate racism. What I’ve done is only to show what I am capable of’
We’re only five days into 2020 – AKA the RAWRING 20s – and already the beauty industry has brought us drama and controversy.
To celebrate the new year, Kuwaiti make-up artist and influencer Ghadeer Sultan posted a video of herself soundtracked by the 2010 remake of “We Are the World” – a charity single originally performed by the likes of Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, and Lionel Richie in 1985.
The video shows Ghadeer in a number of different looks, including different wigs, and skintones. The caption reads: “No matter where you are from or what you believe in, we are all children of this world, and we all share it together equally. Beauty comes in all shapes and colours, so lets love each other and celebrate our unity.” Unsurprisingly, the influencer was immediately called out by fans for appearing in blackface and told to delete the video.
Despite this, Ghadeer posted more pictures of herself in blackface, addressing (but not apologising for) the controversy in the caption. “I am not racist. I hate racism,” it reads. “What I’ve done is only to show what i am capable of... I love you all. Life is meant for living... living with love and passion for every one without thinking of what they are could really change your life.”
Watch the full video below.