James Charles made waves a few months ago when it was announced that the teen has become CoverGirl’s first-ever male spokesperson.
Now, James is making waves for disgustingly insensitive comments he made in reference to Africa having Ebola.
What makes his comment SO ignorant is that Ebola hasn’t been a prominent issue in Africa since last year. On January 14, 2016, the World Health Organization declared the continent of Africa clear of Ebola.
Initially, James simply blocked the people who took to Twitter to call him out. The teen eventually addressed the situation with an apology.
I am extremely sorry. Regardless of my intentions, words have consequences. I take full responsibility and will learn and do better.
— James Charles (@jamescharles) February 16, 2017
— James Charles (@jamescharles) February 16, 2017
I misspoke & said country because we are traveling specifically to South Africa only. I know Africa is a continent and wanted to post an
— James Charles (@jamescharles) February 16, 2017
CoverGirl has also issued a statement distancing themselves from James’ comments.
James Charles' tweet does not represent COVERGIRL’s perspective.
— COVERGIRL (@COVERGIRL) February 16, 2017
We agree his statements were inappropriate but appreciate that he has issued an apology.
— COVERGIRL (@COVERGIRL) February 16, 2017
We are an inclusive brand and respect all people and cultures.
— COVERGIRL (@COVERGIRL) February 16, 2017
Unfortunately for James, people have already started calling for CoverGirl to drop him from the campaign.
https://twitter.com/iWhite84/status/832379244642607104
Ty for showing us your brand condones racism. Or will you fire him and show everyone you stand for diversity and respect?
— Philpup and 8 doggies (@PHILIPino) February 16, 2017
https://twitter.com/LeHarleyxo/status/832378883253084161
A fake ass apology, he didn't mistakenly say what he said. He made inflammatory statements and you're standing by condoning them
— mars blackwomon ???? (@drrbl) February 16, 2017
I truthfully never purchased a @COVERGIRL product, but I absolutely won't now if they refuse to do anything about this #BOYCOTTCOVERGIRL
— Jamera (@MuggleChronicle) February 16, 2017
But what will you actually /do/ to fix the problem, apologies can only go so far before becoming empty.
— Gabe Ko (@TheRealGabeKo) February 16, 2017
@COVERGIRL I will no longer buy your products… I can careless for his apology. Another @JeffreeStar https://t.co/Bhmi0lFILm
— Ish Guevara (@IshGuevara) February 16, 2017
well get rid of him if he doesn't represent you!
— Po' lil Tink Tink (@beany756) February 16, 2017
all these beautiful people of color out here doing makeup and you give a contract to that ugly bigot, fire him now @COVERGIRL
— Joggers (@itsdanielletbh) February 16, 2017
Okay now, CoverGirl — if you say James ‘does not represent your perspective’ then why would you continue to have him as your representative? What sense does that make? Last we checked, a representative is paid to REPRESENT a company’s perspective. That’s the entire point. Do better.
