Following the backlash of a ‘racist’ Tresemme hair advertisement which was flighted on their website last week, a number of celebrities have spoken out about the Clicks hair saga which has dominated headlines ever since
In what was deemed ‘racially insensitive’, Clicks ran a series of Tresemme ads which portrayed black women’s natural hair as ‘dull’, ‘damaged’, ‘frizzy’ and dry’. On the opposite end of the spectrum, pictures in the ad showcased white women’s hair as ‘normal’ and ‘fine’.
Social media had a field day with the outcry, calling on the public to boycott the retailer and the Tresemme hair range.
And even celebs had their say too…
Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi, who is a fervent natural hair advocate, was one of the first to react, tweeting her disappointment at the incident
She posted: “Not only is this disrespectful to black lives, it is also evidence of an absence of representation and diversity within the organization.
Clicks dragged for “racist” hair ads, issues “unequivocal apology”
“And we are talking about a South Africa with a population of about 80% black people”.
Not only is this disrespectful to black lives, it is also evidence of an absence of representation and diversity within the organization. And we are talking about a South Africa with a population of about 80% black people (stand to be corrected). No ways💔 @Clicks_SA https://t.co/HWtfH40HCY
— Zozibini Tunzi (@zozitunzi) September 4, 2020
Pearl Thusi, who owns natural hair care brand Black Pearl, which is sold at Clicks stores, called for change in top management.
She posted on her Instagram account: “The conversation is much bigger and this catalyst will hopefully in having the more difficult conversation of what is happening at the highest in corporate levels on businesses. We all hope for the best outcome for the black people of South Africa and a way forward that will have even more inclusivity and fairness”.
Other stars like Nandi Madida, Claire Mawisa, Coconut Kelz and more also shared their opinions…
#Blackhairisnormal and #BlackHairIsBeautiful ✊🏾❤️
— Nandi Madida (@Nandi_Madida) September 4, 2020
Clicks is innocent!! Damn you guys! Not their fault your hair is frizzy, dull, dry and damaged. At least it’s not ghetto Bantu knots 🙄 pic.twitter.com/9RrfBe69Mg
— Coconut Kelz (@CoconutKelz) September 4, 2020
My hair is not dry, frizzy, dull or damaged… it is normal, beautiful and defines my being. AFRICAN ! #clicksmustfall pic.twitter.com/anUIE4qsnu
— Phumeza Mdabe (@PhumezaMdabe) September 4, 2020
i’m also always very aware that my locs are seen as “acceptable” in many spaces because of their length & how i style them. the false negative perceptions around 4c tightly coiled afros however, have endured, and not changed one bit #locs #loveyourlocs #naturalhair pic.twitter.com/WJOQRr1em8
— claire mawisa (@clairemawisa) September 4, 2020
Clicks sees you in weaves https://t.co/ANn8Yy8D62
— Ntsikizayiboni (@ntsikimazwai) September 7, 2020
Black hair 😍😍😍#NoComb #NoHeat #NoChemicals#OurHairIsBeautiful pic.twitter.com/CoaGqDUTT7
— Mme a Masakona (@FloMasebe) September 4, 2020
Greetings in the name of the #NaturalHair community! @Clicks_SA @TRESemme @TRESemme_SA @CathyMohlahlana @miss_andisa pic.twitter.com/PYcKYF3OX4
— Iman Rappetti (@imanrappetti) September 5, 2020
Meanwhile tweeps are calling out social media influencer Sarah Langa – who is a Tresemme ambassador – to speak out on the issue.
@sarahlanga thoughts on that racist @TRESemme @TRESemme_SA advert on @Clicks_SA’s website?
— James Baldwin🌻 (@Zedediahh) September 5, 2020
