Karl Lagerfeld Retroactively Accused Of Being "Sexist And Racist" Amid 2023 Met Gala Honoring His Work
Some influencers aren't pleased that Karl Lagerfeld was honored at the 2023 Met Gala, claiming that he was a sexist, racist, and fatphobic designer who would have hated seeing BIPOC people wearing his clothes.
The Met Gala, an annual fundraising event for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute in New York City, is a gathering of the fashion elite, celebrities, and socialites. Each year, the event revolves around a theme that guides the attire of its attendees, showcasing both creativity and artistic expression. Monday night's event was full of various gowns that were both beautiful and feminine, such as Dua Lipa's modern princess ensemble and Nicole Kidman's 2004 Chanel throwback. However, the 2023 Met Gala has been the subject of heated debate and backlash, particularly among a younger generation of conservative women. The controversy stems from the event's decision to honor the late fashion designer, Karl Lagerfeld.
Karl Lagerfeld Accused of Being Racist and Sexist Amid 2023 Met Gala Honoring His Work
Lagerfeld, who passed away in February 2019, was a highly influential figure in the fashion industry, serving as the creative director for Chanel and Fendi for decades. Though he was revered for his creative genius, he was also notorious for making controversial remarks that many considered sexist and racist.
A recent Twitter thread by content creator @johnniejae highlights the problematic nature of the Met Gala's decision to honor Lagerfeld. The tweets have gained traction, sparking a conversation about whether the fashion industry should continue to celebrate Lagerfeld's legacy, given his history of offensive comments.
Among the numerous controversial statements Lagerfeld made during his life, several stand out as particularly offensive. In 2012, he referred to the singer Adele as "a little too fat," and in 2013, he made a derogatory comment about Pippa Middleton, advising her to "only show her back." Additionally, in 2018, he faced backlash for his remark on the #MeToo movement, stating, "If you don't want your pants pulled about, don't become a model! Join a nunnery." He also said that women "get horny from politics, from power."
According to a Daily Mail article, Lagerfeld's offensive remarks extended to various ethnic and racial groups. In 2010, he described German supermodel Heidi Klum as being "too heavy" and "having a big bust" that made her unsuitable for high fashion, while simultaneously dismissing her husband, Seal, using racially insensitive language. The article also highlights a 2017 incident in which Lagerfeld was accused of exploiting Syrian refugees for cheap labor in his factories. This allegation further fuels concerns about the ethical implications of honoring Lagerfeld at the Met Gala, as it calls into question his commitment to human rights and fair labor practices.
There is also much backlash against his comments toward overweight women. "No one wants to see curvy women," he once said. "These are fat mummies sitting with their bags of crisps in front of the television, saying that thin models are ugly." Lagerfeld has also made comments about hating children and having to socialize with people who are "boring, pretentious, and vulgar."
His comments and actions have raised concerns among women who argue that honoring Lagerfeld sends a harmful message about body positivity and women's rights. They assert that by celebrating Lagerfeld's contributions to the fashion industry, the Met Gala is indirectly endorsing his discriminatory and offensive behavior. Many argue that the event should recognize other talented designers who have demonstrated respect for diversity and inclusivity, rather than honoring someone with a history of offensive behavior.