Naomi Campbell is coming to the defense of Gucci.
In February, the Italian fashion house came under fire after posting an image of a white model wearing a black turtleneck, which was pulled up over her face and featured a thick red circle resembling lips cut out around her mouth.
The sweater, which was priced at $890, was criticized for resembling blackface makeup and, in turn, was “immediately removed” from the label’s “online store and all physical stores,” according to an official statement from Gucci.
Following the backlash, stars like 50 Cent, burned their Gucci items in response to the controversy, which later prompted the fashion house to release a diversity initiative, called The Gucci Changemakers program, to help the African-American community in North America by providing $1.5 million in college scholarships.
Related: 50 Cent Burns Gucci Shirt To Protest Design House’s Blackface Sweater Controversy
Speaking with the The Washington Post, Campbell says she thought it was “ridiculous for people to say they were burning their [Gucci] clothes.”
Addressing the backlash, the 48-year-old supermodel adds, “Don’t burn your clothes. It wasn’t intentional.”
Related: Gucci Releases Diversity Initiative After Blackface Controversy
As part of Gucci’s new advisory council, Campbell makes note of the brand’s additional scholarship investment in Africa.
“In a lot of countries, football was a way of getting out,” she explains. “Now those interested in fashion and creativity have a way.”
