Bella Hadid has spoken out about the racism problem that’s still prevalent in the fashion industry.
Speaking to ELLE, Hadid explained how vital it is for her to use her platform and influence to share information surrounding the Black Lives Matter movement, following continuous protests demanding the end of police brutality after the unjust murder of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and countless others.
“I have so much responsibility to use my platform for good, especially as I get older,” Hadid admitted. “I want young girls and boys to know that it is okay to use your voice and demand justice for what is important to you. I want them to know it’s okay to be empathetic and gentle, but to be strong and speak your truth at the same time.”
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Expressing empathy for her Black peers and friends who have continuously and tireless voiced their frustrations with the fashion industry, Hadid revealed her fears for her friends.
“Going into the next season, my fear is having to see another one of my Black girlfriends get her hair burned by a hair straightener, or do her own makeup because the makeup artist hasn’t been trained to work with all different skin types,” she continued.
“I hate that some of my Black friends feel the way they do. Even if they’re sitting front row, they’re not feeling accepted. Our industry is supposed to be about expression and individuality, but the reality is that [many people] still discriminate because of exactly [those differences].”
When Black Lives Matter protests took place in May, the 23-year-old model took to Instagram to share her plans to donate to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. She also expressed her support for those who were protesting, donating and demanding justice for those who’ve lost their lives or loved ones to the U.S. police force.
“I’ve been sitting here listening. Understanding. Educating myself. Making calls to demand justice. Donating. And reaching out to friends just in case they feel hurt or lost this week,” she wrote.
“If you are not standing in solidarity with the Black community TODAY and EVERYDAY. Please unfollow me. Black lives matter…Black voices matter and the Black community matters.”
