Paris fashion house Chanel is apologizing to Gabourey Sidibe after she came forward with claims she was racially profiled in one of the brand’s boutiques.
via NYDN:
The “Empire” star detailed her encounter in Lena Dunham’s Lenny Letter on Tuesday, writing that the saleswoman directed her to a store across the street to buy her eyeglasses.
“I knew what she was doing. She had decided after a single look at me that I wasn’t there to spend any money. Even though I was carrying a Chanel bag, she decided I wasn’t a Chanel customer and so, not worth her time and energy,” Sidibe wrote.
The incident occurred in Chicago, while Sidibe was there filming “Empire.”
It wasn’t until other store associates of color noticed that she was famous for the original saleswoman to help her.
Eventually, Sidibe, 34, picked up two pairs of frames and two pairs of sandals for co-star Taraji P. Henson, who was stuck on set.
“Unfortunately, I’m used to people giving me bad service. Honestly, if I walked out of every store where someone was rude to me,” she wrote. “I’d never have anything nice.”
Chanel issued an apology in the wake of the letter written by the “Precious” star, stating “We are sorry that she felt unwelcome and offended.”
“We took her words very seriously and immediately investigated to understand what happened,” the statement continued. “Knowing that this is absolutely not in line with the high standards that Chanel wishes to provide to our customers.”
We’re glad Chanel apologized — but we think they should go ahead and send her a bag or two. Or three.
