Naomi Campbell is getting really real about racism — and her unfortunate moments experiencing it firsthand!
The supermodel sat down for a new interview with Paris Match earlier this week, and during their conversation, she opened up about what it was like to pave the way for new generations of models over the years.
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While Campbell correctly noted the modeling and fashion industries have made a LOT of progress with diversity over the years, though, she was also quick to note things still are far from perfect. And in fact, there were times earlier in her career where she experienced direct and jarring racism, even at modeling events and within the high-fashion world.
Naomi, who was speaking in French with the interviewer, relayed her story about even recently being in a hotel for an event, only to be turned away because of the color of her skin. The iconic model said (below):
“The word ‘diversity’ is everywhere today, but it did not exist when I started. I have always wanted people to be treated fairly. Do not believe that it goes without saying. The challenge is permanent. I was recently in a city in the south of France, at the time of the Cannes Film Festival, where I was invited to participate in an event in a hotel whose name I will not mention. They did not want to let my friend and I in because of the color of my skin. The guy at the entrance pretended that the place was full. But he let other people pass. It is for these kind of shocking moments that I will continue to express myself and make myself heard.”
Wow!!!
That’s unbelievable — and it’s crazy how things like this can STILL be happening in the 21st century.
Related: Tyra Banks Gets Real About Her Early Modeling Career Alongside Naomi
Of course, this is something Campbell has long fought. Speaking to Vogue Australia back in April, the 49-year-old beauty recalled how pretty much ever since the beginning of her career, she’s had to be hyper-vigilant about not being dismissed or taken advantage of due to her race (below):
“I used to have to fight for the same fee as my [white] counterparts doing the same job. It’s still not balanced completely. I’m the face of a new campaign and I was told that because of the color of my skin a certain country would not use my picture … For me it was a reality check. I never believe in the hype, so it just kept things in perspective for me. Now I would like to know that models [of color] get the same opportunities and fees in advertising.”
Clearly, things have come a long way… but it sounds like we’re not yet quite where we should be!
Thoughts, Perezcious readers?! What do U think of Naomi’s reveal of that sad, racist moment in the French hotel?? Ugh!!! Sound OFF about it in the comments (below)…
[Image via WENN]
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