‘Why Hire a Black Model?’: Designer Faces Legal Action for Racism and Wrongful Firing
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Sharing opinions on hiring Black models
The employee who voiced the opinion was wrongfully terminated, leading to a civil lawsuit
A prominent Korean-American designer has been sued for making racist remarks.
The New York Post reported that former employee Bridget Sena filed a civil lawsuit in a New York court against fashion designer Eugenia Kim, who had fired her.
Bridget Sena alleges Eugenia Kim mistreated her after suggesting hiring a plus-sized black model for a tennis fashion advertisement.
At the time, Eugenia Kim reportedly told Bridget Sena, “I play tennis every day, but I’ve never seen a black person play. I can’t imagine a black person playing tennis besides Serena Williams.”
When Bridget Sena countered that diversity was necessary for effective fashion advertising, Eugenia Kim retorted, “Tennis is a sport played by skinny blonde white people.”
Despite Eugenia Kim’s opposition, Bridget Sena advocated for hiring black models. The company subsequently excluded her from her duties and eventually fired her on the false charge of leaking company information in June.
Eugenia Kim’s side stated, “Our company, run by a minority woman, does not discriminate based on race, sex, or religion.”
Eugenia Kim, a Korean-American, is famous for designing unique hats. Hollywood actors highly favor her hats.
Hats designed by Eugenia Kim / Eugenia Kim Instagram
By. Koo Hana (hn9@wikitree.co.kr)
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