Beyoncé's Ivy Park Faces Backlash Over "Blackfishing" Allegations

BYErika Marie29.1K Views
Link Copied to Clipboard!
Matt Winkelmeyer / Staff / Getty Images
Beyonce, Ivy Park, Black fAce, Blackfishing
People criticized the Russian models used in the campaign.

A promotional photo posted to Ivy Park's Instagram page has caused the public to debate the subject of "blackfishing." Days ago, Ivy Park shared an image that featured two models posing in the adidas gear. There wasn't anything exceptional about the picture itself, but on Wednesday (December 8), people began to discuss how the models, who at first glance looked like women of color or Black women to many, are actually Russian and much lighter than the image suggests.

Instagram

Soon, people began accusing the models of Blackface, or Blackfishing—a take on the pop-culture term "catfish." Beyoncé and her team were also targeted, especially because the singer is avidly pro-Black and pro-African in her music and visuals. Because Beyoncé is also known as someone who is intimately involved in all aspects of her projects, her fans argued that she wouldn't approve of this look. However, while the models are Russian, their ethnic backgrounds are unknown.

No statement has been made by Bey or Ivy Park just yet, but the internet is making their voices heard. Check out a few responses below as well as more images from the models included in the campaign.

I hope the company takes that photo down ##blackfishing ##ivypark ##blackfishing2020 ##ivyparkxadidas

About The Author
Erika Marie is a seasoned journalist, editor, and ghostwriter who works predominantly in the fields of music, spirituality, mental health advocacy, and social activism. The Los Angeles editor, storyteller, and activist has been involved in the behind-the-scenes workings of the entertainment industry for nearly two decades. E.M. attempts to write stories that are compelling while remaining informative and respectful. She's an advocate of lyrical witticism & the power of the pen. Favorites: Motown, New Jack Swing, '90s R&B, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, & Punk; Funk, Soul, Harlem Renaissance Jazz greats, and artists who innovate, not simply replicate.
...