Dolce & Gabbana has cancelled its Shanghai fashion show amid accusations of racism over its latest ad campaign and Stefano Gabbana
But when Instagram DMs that appeared to be from Stefano Gabbana were leaked, the outrage was further exaggerated. Diet Prada, posted screenshots of an exchange that appeared to be between Gabbana and model Michaela Tranova. During the conversation, Tranova challenges Gabbana on the ad campaign, and Gabbana retorts by insinuating that Tranova herself is racist for “eating dogs” and that “China Ignorant Dirty Smelling Mafia.”
The hashtag #BoycottDolce was reportedly trending on the Chinese social media site Weibo, and many of the show’s models publicly announced they would not attend. According to another post by Diet Prada, Shanghai government officials cancelled the event just hours before it was to take place.
The brand Dolce Gabbana, said its and co-founder Stefano Gabbana’s accounts were hacked and used to criticise Chinese people. “We have nothing but respect for China and the people of China,” the apology message read.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BqbgvLinF1w/
Gabbana also apologised, posting a screenshot on Instagram of offensive messages he claims were sent by a hacker abusing his account. The brand crisis deepened when messages allegedly written by co-founder Stefano Gabbana, which included offensive comments about Chinese people, went viral.
But no apologies worked!
Stay Tuned.