Halsey criticizes Victoria's Secret over transgender comments: 'I have no tolerance for a lack of inclusivity'
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show came under fire recently when an executive said transgender models shouldn’t be included in the annual event. It turns out that even some of the performers were outraged by the remark.
Halsey spoke out as the show aired Sunday night, saying in an Instagram post that “some comments” were made after her performance was filmed Nov. 8 that she “simply cannot ignore.” As a member of the LGBTQ community, she explained, she can’t tolerate “a lack of inclusivity.”
A post shared by halsey (@iamhalsey) on Dec 2, 2018 at 7:06pm PST
Though she didn’t call him out by name, the singer’s post seemed to refer to Ed Razek, chief marketing officer for L Brands, Victoria’s Secret’s parent company. In an interview with Vogue last month, Razek said he didn’t feel the show should cast transgender models, whom he called “transsexuals.”
“No. No, I don’t think we should. Well, why not? Because the show is a fantasy,” Razek said. “It’s a 42-minute entertainment special. That’s what it is.”
In an apology issued the day after the interview was published, Razek said Victoria’s Secret would “absolutely” cast a transgender model for VSFS.
Please read this important message from Ed Razek, Chief Marketing Officer, L Brands (parent company of Victoria’s Secret). pic.twitter.com/CW8BztmOaM
— Victoria's Secret (@VictoriasSecret) November 10, 2018
The apology apparently wasn’t enough for Halsey, as she announced on Instagram that she had made a donation to GLSEN, an organization aimed at ensuring that K-12 schools are safe and inclusive for LGBTQ kids. She also voiced her solidarity with trans folks, adding that acceptance is the only “fantasy” she supports.
Her fans were mostly supportive on Instagram.
“As a trans guy and longtime fan, this statement means a lot to me,” one commenter wrote. “Thank you so much for your solidarity.”
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