T.I., Spike Lee and Soulja Boy have all called for the Black community to boycott Gucci following the clothing brand’s blackface controversy. The company faced criticism after selling a sweater that made the wearer appear to be in blackface.
The company issued an apology, which T.I. chose to quickly reject.
“As a seven figure a year customer and long time supporter of your brand I must say, ‘Y’all got us f— up (sic),” T.I. posted on Instagram on Friday, Feb. 8, 2019.
“Apology not accepted,. Our culture runs this s—!!! We (People of color) spend $1.25 trillion per year (but are the least respected and the least included)and if we stop buying anything they must correct any and all of our concerns. That’s the only way we can get some respect put on our name. (sic)”
T.I. also blasted the clothing brand Prada for featuring a blackface keychain and the clothing brand Moncler for a jacket with blackface symbols.
Hours after T.I.’s posts, Soulja Boy — a rapper known for often wearing a Gucci headband — also shared his thoughts on social media.
“Gucci is canceled,” Soulja Boy said in a video. “I’m shocked, and I’m appalled, and I feel disrespected. I supported y’all brand. I spent hundreds of thousands of dollars, and y’all came up with a shirt with blackface on it.”
Spike Lee also took a moment to blast Gucci and called for a boycott until the company hires more Black designers.
