In October, CoverGirl announced their very first Cover Boy.
James Charles, widely popular make up artist and beauty blogger, was named the face of the global make up empire, a move heralded as ground breaking for the industry.
At the time, CoverGirl wrote that all of their role models are “boundary-breakers” who “fearlessly express themselves and stand up for what they believe in”.
Unfortunately, the company probably did not foresee “standing up for what you believe in” extended to widely stereotypical views sprinkled with racism.
The 17-year-old face of the brand tweeted on Thursday about fearing going to Africa because of fears he will contract Ebola.
Naturally, CoverGirl went into damage control, no doubt forcing the young teenager to issue an apology lest their brand is pulled into the controversy.
In a statement to The Cut, the brand wrote: “James Charles’ tweet does not represent COVERGIRL’s perspective. We agree his statements were inappropriate but appreciate that he has issued an apology. We are an inclusive brand and respect all people and cultures.”
Hours later, Charles’ own apology came.
“I’m not going to post a bullsh*t apology,” he wrote. “I was told what to say and that’s not how an apology should work. I am extremely sorry for my tweet and I feel like sh*t for saying it.”
He went on to reveal he and his friends are heading to Africa on an “educational trip” because they know “very little about the country and are eager to learn.
“I understand why what I said was offensive an ignorant… I clearly know very little and have lots to learn.”
We’ll ignore the fact he referred to Africa as a “country” and take him on his word that he looks forward to “learning more”.
Top Comments
Oh the racism did not concern Africans (or indeed the continent) but rather the poor people of Chipotle (Chipoticans I think they are called). Next he will savage the long suffering people of TacoBell. The madness must stop
Oh please, really? It's a silly statement by an obviously not very bright teenager (Africa is a country? Lolz.) Read it and laugh or read it and not laugh, but there is no reason to freak out about something so minor. Africa was a CONTINENT that had a major ebola outbreak and, thanks to the the United States (again) an inoculation was created and that's why it's no longer a threat. The reasons behind why Africans were spreading ebola are still there. How is it any different than saying "heading to Australia, oh no, hope I don't get sharkbit, jellyfish stung, poisoned by a spider!" or "heading to England, hope I don't get rained on" "heading to the US, hope I don't get shot" or "heading to Saudi and I'm queer, hope my head doesn't get chopped!"
It was Canadian scientists who developed the vaccine for ebola.
Didn't you know that the US is by default responsible for and advances in health, science and technology 🙄 Some Americans are so hard ignorant thanks for making the rest of us look like idiots (again) Aimer.
Exactly, am I racist for avoiding countries where Zika is rife?