According to reports, the ‘irreplaceable’ singer is ‘disappointed and angry’ following massive social media backlash over a ‘blood diamond’ jewelry she adorned during a campaign for Tiffany & Co. which was released days ago.
The Carters for Tiffany & Co. #AboutLove #TiffanyAndCo
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© Estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat. Licensed by Artestar, New York pic.twitter.com/bTGZUts4DU— Tiffany & Co. (@TiffanyAndCo) August 23, 2021
The campaign also featured Jay-Z, with a never-before-seen Basquiat piece displayed in the foreground. Beyonce wearing the 128.54 carat Tiffany Diamond, made her only the fourth female – and the first black woman – to do so.
While the campaign drew a much-desired response from the art world for its inclusive of the Basquiat piece, Tiffany & Co. and Bey were met with massive backlash from critics who highlighted the problematic past and terrible mining conditions at the time diamond was discovered. (The diamond is said to have been discovered in 1877, at a British colonial mine in Kimberley, South Africa.)
According to a source who spoke with The Sun, “Beyonce is aware of the criticism and is disappointed and angry that she wasn’t made aware of questions about its history.
“She thought that every final detail had been vetted, but now she realises that the diamond itself was overlooked.”
The aforementioned criticism stems from black laborers who were forced to work in terrible circumstances for pitiful wages in confined conditions, causing tragic accidents.
In addition, the dwellings for the employees reportedly had no natural water or waste disposal, which in turn contributed to 1,144 deaths from diseases such as pneumonia and scurvy between 1897 and 1899. According to reports, Charles Tiffany acquired the gem from the mine in 1879.
In response to online backlash, the mother of Beyonce, Tina Knowles, took to social media to address criticisms, writing:
“How many of you socially conscious activist own diamonds ? I thought so ! Well guess what did you go to try to check to see where the diamond came from? Probably not.”
Adding: “So when you guys get engaged you won’t have a diamond you gonna put on a sterling silver band And you better check out where it came from and the origin of where came from and why you add it check out the calls for the Leather that you weird because they made it came from another country to to ban and not buy diamonds right because your righteous !!”
Do you agree with the backlash leveled against Beyonce for wearing the gem unknowingly?
Education: Computer Network Engineering, Computer Desktop Administration
Fave Song: Destiny's Child 'Dangerously in love'
Fave Colour: Grey.
With £1m what would you do: I would do my part to provide opportunities to the less fortunate. Then do my best to change the world in my own way through sports and talent building.
