The founder of Perth-based activewear brand Kikiva has issued a public apology after a “racial slur” was heard during her recent social media live stream.
In a statement shared to her TikTok story, Kia Buckley, 24, said she was shocked at the language used by a member of her family.
“Hey guys, I want to address an incident that occurred during my TikTok Live last Friday evening,” she began.
“During the live, a family member arrived home and used a racial slur in the background off camera. I was deeply shocked, disappointed and upset by what was said.
“I want to sincerely apologise to everyone who heard it and anyone who has been hurt by that language. The use of racial slurs or any other derogatory words is completely unacceptable under any circumstances.
“I want to make it clear that I do not condone racism in any form.”
Users on social platform Reddit claimed Ms Buckley’s family member had said the “N word” on the stream, and that the Kikiva founder had been removing comments from followers addressing the incident.
“Deleting every comment even if it’s just a sticker with (sic) a shocked face. Guilty asf and making excuses,” one person said.
Another claimed Ms Buckley had only issued the statement because her followers had clocked the slur.
“She’s only sorry coz it got caught. For (a member of her family) to come in and (sic) say that means she’s more than comfortable saying it around all those people,” they said.
Ms Buckley said her family member had expressed contrition for their actions.
“After this incident occurred, I ended the live immediately, spoke directly with the person involved and told them in no uncertain terms that this language was unacceptable,” she continued.
“They expressed genuine remorse for what they said and acknowledged the hurt their words have caused.”
Ms Buckley said she had not addressed the incident earlier due to spending time in hospital in recent days.
In September, the entrepreneur told followers that she had been diagnosed with an aggressive skin cancer requiring immediate removal, though did not specify on this occasion if she had undergone a similar procedure.
Ms Buckley’s statement continued: “While I dealt with the manner privately at the time, I understand why people have wanted to hear from me publicly. I’ve been recovering in hospital following surgery, and now that I’m home, I wanted to speak about what happened personally.
“I take this matter seriously and believe everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, fairness and respect.
“I’m genuinely sorry for the hurt this may have caused.”
In a busy few months for Ms Buckley, the founder opened her first bricks and mortar retail store in Karrinyup on August 1, and celebrated her engagement to long-term partner Jake Piesse in early October.