What happened : The Spanish apparel retailer, Zara has recently come under fire after its head designer Vanessa Perilman attacked a Palestinian model Qaher on Instagram with an Islamophobic and anti-Palestinian post. Her posts referred to the atrocities happening in Palestine as “bullshit circus media”. She called Palestinian people uneducated and hate full. Moreover, she insinuated that the Palestinians were to blame for the destruction of schools and hospitals in Gaza. In addition, she also questioned Qaher’s faith regarding his profession.
Anti-palestinian, Anti-Arab and Anti-Muslim rhetoric lands Zara designer Vanessa Perilman in hot waters..
Zara's response was below expectations sparking calls to boycott the brand.
Perilman, who tried to whitewash israeli occupation's crimes, and mob attacks against palestinians— Leila Hatoum (@Leila1H) June 13, 2021
The response : Zara responded by stating that they were a very diverse company in terms of the people they employ. The fast-fashion giant defended itself by explaining how the interaction had taken place outside their official network. According to their internal investigation, both parties had clarified their ‘misunderstanding’, Perliman had apologised and Qaher had accepted. Despite stating that Zara takes these kinds of issues seriously, people have called their response generic, disappointing, and insulting. Therefore, there has been a call to boycott the brand for its anti-Palestinian and anti-Muslim rhetoric. Click here for more from ProperGaanda.