A Perth model has made the “difficult decision” to cut ties with activewear brand Kikiva after a racial slur was heard during a social media livestream earlier this month.
Vimbayi Hakutangwi has worked with the Perth brand, founded by Kia Buckley, for more than three years, but on Monday she announced her departure.
Buckley came under fire on October 9 after the 24-year-old’s sister was caught saying the “N word” on a TikTok live stream.
Footage of the moment has since been shared across the platform, which shows Buckley in the aftermath telling her fans, “No, she didn’t say that; she said what’s up, sissy”.
Hakutangwi said as a Black woman who is proud of her Zimbabwean heritage, “racism is not simply a topic of public discussion or a passing controversy”.
“It is a lived reality and one I have spoken openly about and advocated against long before my involvement with Kikiva,” she wrote in an Instagram statement.
“In light of recent events, I have taken the time to listen, seek clarity and carefully reflect on both the incident and the response that followed.
“Whilst I recognise that the actions of one individual do not necessarily reflect the values of an entire organisation, I firmly believe accountability extends beyond the incident itself to how it is acknowledged, addressed and learned from.
Hakutangwi said her commitment to the principles she stands for “must always take precedence over any personal or professional association”.
“I cannot, in good conscience continue representing a brand when I no longer feel confident that its response to an issue of this significance aligns with the values I have consistently advocated for,” she continued.
However, the former brand ambassador said she “unequivocally condemns harassment, threats and personal attacks towards anyone involved”.
Hakutangwi was a Miss Universe WA finalist in 2023 and went on to make the top 10 at the national beauty pageant.
Also a member of the Royal Australian Navy stationed at the HMAS Stirling, she used her platform to advocate for modernising Defence grooming and uniform policies to include culturally diverse hairstyles.
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Abbie Chatfield has also weighed in on how Buckley handled the situation.
“As someone who has never heard their sister say the “N word” or any slurs, if my sister came up behind me, came home and said the “N word” and I was on live, I would probably have a different reaction,” she said on her It’s A Lot podcast.
“I’d probably go, ‘What the f.ck?’”
Chatfield said some people online are “flipping the narrative and saying things like ‘Oh my god, this is ridiculous; it’s not that deep; we have bigger problems in Australia right now’.”
“And the reality is yes we do have bigger problems right now in Australia, and a lot of them stem from instances like this, the instances of casual bigotry in my opinion,” she said.
Last Thursday, Buckley addressed the incident and issued a public apology.
“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,” she 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.”