Magazine editor Carine Roitfeld apologises after ‘tone deaf’ Instagram post

Celebrated magazine editor Carine Roitfeld issued a public apology after being accused of ‘tokenism’ over an Instagram post of her with black model Anok Yai. 

Carine, 65, the former editor-in-chief of Vogue Paris, this week shared a photo of her with Egyptian-born, US-raised Anok, who is of South Sudanese descent, with the caption: ‘Miss you’. 

The timing of the post coincided with the Black Lives Matter protests that have erupted around the world, including in Carine’s hometown of Paris, in response to the death of George Floyd. 

Fashion insider Carine later added a comment saying: ‘Anok is not a black woman, she is my friend, I missing! [sic]’ The comment appears to have been shared in response to negative comments from followers, although this cannot be confirmed. 

The post, which was shared by social media accounts including Diet Prada before being deleted, was branded ‘tone deaf’ from outraged Instagram users who claimed Roitfeld was ‘using’ Anok for the original post and of trying to ‘erase’ her race. 

Anok, who has walked for brands including Prada and Proenza Schouler, has not commented publicly on the post.  

Diet Prada also shared a selection of the comments left on the original post. 

One reads: ‘She is most definitely a black woman and the fact you think you have to erase her race to make this point is part of the problem.’

Another added: ‘Before the murder of George Floyd you never posted a black woman before. Do not use her skin to make you feel better about the casual everyday racism you participate in. This is DEEPLY offensive.’

A third wrote: ‘Lol she could’ve used her major platform of 1.7million followers to make some impact but instead she resorts to tokenism and using her as a prop.’

On Tuesday Roitfeld joined millions of social media users around the world sharing the ‘back box’ Instagram post as part of the #blackouttuesday movement. 

Last night the editor shared another post apologising for her ‘previous comments’ and that her intention was to ‘express love and support for my dear friend, Anok Yai’.

She continued: ‘I realize that I caused further pain and hurt to the very community that I was looking to support. I am learning from this experience and will continue to use my platform and voice to create opportunities for change. 

‘Anok you are a beautiful, strong and talented Black woman and I meant absolutely no harm. I only meant to send a message of support to you and your family. 

‘I vow to continue to focus my efforts and stand up to these injustices to support and further create opportunities that amplify the black community and their voices in the fight against systemic racism.’