Beyoncé's Ivy Park Faces Backlash Over "Blackfishing" Allegations

A promotional photo posted to Ivy Park's Instagram page has caused the public to debate the subject of "blackfishing." Days ago, Ivy Park shared an image that featured two models posing in the adidas gear. There wasn't anything exceptional about the picture itself, but on Wednesday (December 8), people began to discuss how the models, who at first glance looked like women of color or Black women to many, are actually Russian and much lighter than the image suggests.

Soon, people began accusing the models of Blackface, or Blackfishing—a take on the pop-culture term "catfish." Beyoncé and her team were also targeted, especially because the singer is avidly pro-Black and pro-African in her music and visuals. Because Beyoncé is also known as someone who is intimately involved in all aspects of her projects, her fans argued that she wouldn't approve of this look. However, while the models are Russian, their ethnic backgrounds are unknown.

No statement has been made by Bey or Ivy Park just yet, but the internet is making their voices heard. Check out a few responses below as well as more images from the models included in the campaign.

@realkingsht

I hope the company takes that photo down ##blackfishing ##ivypark ##blackfishing2020 ##ivyparkxadidas