Lizzo criticized the return of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.
For context, the show was canceled in November 2019 amid controversy surrounding the relationship between former CEO Les Wexner and Jeffrey Epstein and growing criticism of the brand's lack of inclusion. In the years that have followed, allegations of misogyny, bullying, and harassment have been leveled at VS executives.
In 2021, the brand announced that it would swap out the angels for the Victoria's Secret Collective, featuring faces like Bella Hadid, Hailey Bieber, Megan Rapinoe, Naomi Osaka, and Priyanka Chopra Jonas. VS Martin Waters said of the change in the brand, “We needed to stop being about what men want and to be about what women want.” It's worth noting that sales declined last year, albeit less than predicted.
Earlier this weekend, VS announced that the brand's fashion show would be back, saying in a statement to the Hollywood Reporter, "Our new brand projection and mission will continue to be our guiding principle. This will lead us into new spaces like reclaiming one of our best marketing and entertainment properties to date and turning it on its head to reflect who we are today."
In response to the news, one fan shared a promotional video from the brand's Valentine's Day campaign — which included models like Jill Kortleve, Imaan Hammam, Bella Hadid, Adut Akech Bior, and Candice Huffine.
Lizzo, who has partnered with Fabletics for her shapewear brand of Yitty, responded to the tweet by writing, "This is a win for inclusivity for inclusivity's sake."
This is a win for inclusivity for inclusivity’s sake But if brands start doing this only because they’ve received backlash then what happens when the ‘trends’ change again? Do the CEOs of these companies value true inclusivity? Or do they just value money? https://t.co/ykmcUTLayQ
"But if brands start doing this only because they’ve received backlash, then what happens when the ‘trends’ change again?" she continued. "Do the CEOs of these companies value true inclusivity? Or do they just value money?"
It's worth noting that only 13 of VS' panty products on their website go to a 4X. Comparatively, 306 panty products are sold in a size small. In case you were wondering, Yitty offers 18 panty products in an 6X and 51 in a small.
