Sunday night we finally got to see the 2018 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, which was taped nearly a month ago – with performances from Halsey, The Chainsmokers with Kelsea Ballerina, Rita Ora, and The Struts. But Halsey apparently has mixed feelings about her participation, following controversial remarks from VS’s chief marketing officer.
In an issue of Vogue, published November 8th – the same day the show was recorded - Ed Razek refuted the idea that the show should hire curvy or trans models for the televised fashion show, saying “Shouldn’t you have transsexuals in the show? No. No, I don’t think we should. Well, why not? Because the show is a fantasy.”
Halsey took exception with his comments and posted a message to her Instagram feed last night reading: “I have adored the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show since I was young. Performing this year alongside other amazing artists, and hardworking models/friends was supposed to be the best night of my year. However, after I filmed the performance, some comments were made regarding the show that I simply cannot ignore. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I have no tolerance for a lack of inclusivity. Especially not one motivated by stereotype.”
She tells fans that she has made a contribution to GLSEN, an organization that addresses LGBTQ issues in K-12 education, and continued: “If you are a trans person reading this, and these comments have made you feel alienated or invalidated please know that you have allies. We stand in solidarity, and complete and total acceptance is the only ‘fantasy’ that I support.”
Razek has since apologized, saying his comments “came across as insensitive”, and posting his own November 9th message reading: “I apologize. To be clear, we absolutely would cast a transgender model for the show. We’ve had transgender models come to castings… And like many others, they didn’t make it…But it was never about gender. I admire and respect their journey to embrace who they really are.”
But Halsey, and many other critics, don’t seem to feel that apology is enough.
If you’d like to learn more about GLSEN, or make a contribution, please follow the link above! And find out more about Halsey on Slacker’s Halsey: DNA Station!