Carine Roitfeld Issues Apology For ‘Tone Deaf’ Photo, Anok Yai Responds

Carine Roitfeld is apologizing for a recent Instagram post.

The CR Fashion Book founder, 65, issued an apology Thursday after being called “tone deaf” for her post following George Floyd’s death at the hands of a white police officer.

While joining many celebrities sharing messages of support, Roitfeld chose to share a photo of herself hugging Black model Anok Yai. She captioned the shot, “Miss you.”

To defend her photo, Roitfeld also replied to a comment writing, “Anok is not a Black woman, she is my friend.”

After being called “tone deaf” by a number of her followers, Roitfeld apologized.

“I am learning from this experience and will continue to use my platform and voice to create opportunities for change,” Roitfeld said. “Anok you are a beautiful, strong and talented Black woman and I meant absolutely no harm. I only meant to send a message of support to you and your family. I vow to continue to focus my efforts and stand up to these injustices to support and further create opportunities that amplify the Black community and their voices in the fight against systemic racism.”

View this post on Instagram

I would like to sincerely apologize for my previous comments that were posted on social media. My intent was to express love and support for my dear friend, Anok Yai – not to deafen my message. I realize that I caused further pain and hurt to the very community that I was looking to support. I am learning from this experience and will continue to use my platform and voice to create opportunities for change. Anok you are a beautiful, strong and talented Black woman and I meant absolutely no harm. I only meant to send a message of support to you and your family. I vow to continue to focus my efforts and stand up to these injustices to support and further create opportunities that amplify the black community and their voices in the fight against systemic racism.Please know that I have read all of your comments and I hear you. I made a grave error and ask not to be judged by my words, but by my actions now and going forward. – Carine

A post shared by Carine Roitfeld (@carineroitfeld) on Jun 3, 2020 at 6:57pm PDT

“Please know that I have read all of your comments and I hear you,” she continued. “I made a grave error and ask not to be judged by my words, but by my actions now and going forward.”

Yai acknowledged Roitfeld’s apology, commenting with a prayer hand and two heart emojis.

But a week later, Yai shared her own statement. In a piece for O Magazine, Yai wrote, “A lot of people have asked what my reaction was to an insensitive post from a friend of mine on Instagram last week. Of course, it was jarring—and it was just one of many similar microaggressions I’ve experienced during my time in fashion. But the bigger point I’d like to focus on is that the fashion industry needs to become educated… and fast.”

“Yet the industry seems to be depending on the Black community at large to educate them about Black history—as if we’re obligated to do so,” she continued. “Black models should not have to teach working professionals how to deal with our hair and skin day in and day out. Educate yourself and come prepared. It’s your job. The world is changing right before our very eyes, and we won’t be tolerant of intolerance any longer.”