Renowned fashion label Moschino is facing a lawsuit for alleged racial discrimination against its black employees and customers.
Filed by Shamael Lataillade, who previously worked at a Moschino store in West Hollywood, the lawsuit reveals that a racist codename was used to describe black shoppers “who didn’t look rich enough,” TMZ reports. “She says the woman would call them a ‘Serena’ and instructed other employees to follow and watch them closely—sometimes even writing down their license plates,” the outlet added.
Furthermore, Shamael, who is a black, Haitian-American woman, is also suing the company for racial discrimination against her. The supervisor allegedly “mocked her as someone who practices voodoo.” She also claimed that she got fired for speaking out about these forms of racism in her workplace.
This type of news is sadly familiar. It sheds a light on the internalized stereotypes on black shoppers, as well as black employees. Not to mention, the “disgusting characterization and the racism Serena Williams continues to deal with, even as one of the greatest athletes of all time,” as Complex noted.
Hopefully, if proven true, the luxury clothing company will be held accountable, and this will put a stop on similar toxic environment in fashion.
[Complex]
Photo courtesy of Moschino’s Instagram account
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