Singer Ellie Goulding has revealed that she is “mortified” after accidentally promoting pink diamonds from a controversial WA mine at a recent event.
The Love Me Like You Do singer, who has recently received a MBE for her climate work, was captured at a Boodles event in London earlier in October donning a lavish diamond necklace and matching earrings.
The set, which is believed to have sold for $1 million, was crafted from pink diamonds mined at the now-shuttered Argyle mine in WA’s north.
The mine had previously sparked controversy between Rio Tinto and traditional land owners, the latter of whom have expressed concerns over the impacts “contaminated” mining chemicals will have on the East Kimberley land.
“We will not accept the level of risk that has been created by a mining company in an authorising environment from the government,” traditional owners said in February.
During the Boodles London event, Goulding had described the WA-made necklace to nearby press as “elegant and iconic” — however, concerns were raised about ‘double standards’ given the star’s previous outspokenness over indigenous land rights.
In 2022, the Lights singer notably accused mining firms of “destroying” ancestral lands in a speech to the UN — claims that mirror those from East Kimberley traditional owners.
After questions were raised to Goulding over the WA accessories, the 39-year-old issued a statement about her regret over the incident.
“Protecting the environment is a cause close to my heart,” she told The Mirror in a statement on Monday.
“I always strive to uphold those values — regretfully, in this instance, I fell short.
“I was not aware of the concerns surrounding the Argyle mine and I am grateful it has been brought to my attention.”
The English songstress went on to tell her fans that they will “certainly” not see her wearing any more jewellery from the defunct East Kimberley mine site.
“The Indigenous and local communities affected deserve better,” she continued.
“While I am mortified to have made this error in judgement, I am letting this moment serve as a reminder and an opportunity to continue to question the status quo, to learn, and to do better.”
Gelganyem, an organisation representing traditional owners near the Argyle site, has welcomed her apology.
“Gelganyem Chair Kia Dowell, a Gija woman, acknowledges Ellie Goulding’s apology and welcomes her recognition that Indigenous and local communities deserve better,” a statement attributed to the group read.
“She hopes it helps the public and Rio Tinto shareholders understand what is at stake at Argyle and the standard Rio Tinto’s mine closure must meet.”
In early October, it was announced that Boodles had acquired ownership of the Argyle Pink Diamonds brand and all remaining inventory from Rio Tinto.
The East Kimberley mine had been the world’s only known source of pink and red diamonds until it was closed.