Singapore’s Fashion Brand Apologises After Social Media Uproar Over Israel-Palestine Comments
The ongoing tragedy in Gaza has captured global attention, with many advocating for a ceasefire.
Local fashion brand, Beyond The Vines (BTV), found itself with a storm of criticism due to controversy that unfolded on their Instagram surrounding the war.
The brand has since apologised for their hasty approach in addressing the issue.
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Here’s how the controversy started.
Beyond The Vines Co-Founder Criticised for Following Pro-Israel Account on Instagram
Earlier this month, Daniel Chew, co-founder of BTV, came under fire for following a Pro-Israel account: Fellowship of Israel Related Ministries (FIRM) on Instagram.
In response, Chew posted Instagram Stories on 9 November, announcing that he had unfollowed the account. He detailed that he initially followed that account earlier this year after learning about it from a colleague who visited Israel.
He claimed that the content on the account at the time, centered around food tours and off beaten track adventures but has recently changed.
Chew also shared past humanitarian contributions that he and Rebecca Ting, his wife and co-founder, had previously made for the Turkey Earthquake and for Palestinian children.
“Insensitive” Livestream to Address Controversy
Amidst the backlash, Ting proceeded to launch BTV’s new collection the next day via an Instagram livestream.
Before revealing the collection, Ting addressed the controversy surrounding her husband, echoing the points he posted on his Instagram story and reiterating that they do not support the genocide.
However, her haste to move past the controversy to unveil the new products struck many as insensitive. This worsened the situation as many netizens found the handling of the situation “tone-deaf” and “off-putting”.
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Some netizens pointed out that Chew should have been in the livestream to address the situation as well.
Many criticised her lack of tact when talking about the issue and even suggested the need for a better PR team to handle situations like this in professional manner.
A few comparisons were drawn to Huda Beauty, with remarks that BTV could have postponed their launch just as the renowned makeup brand did.
The backlash prompted many customers to end their support for the brand. Many claimed that they will likely resell or donate previously purchased products.
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The Issued Apology
Chew and Ting issued a formal apology on 16 November, addressing what had occurred over the week.
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The co-founders admitted that their choice of words and manner when handling the situation were inappropriate and the situation should have been handled with more care and sensitivity.
Some comments thanked the founders for the apology and for holding themselves accountable. One person even suggested making a dumpling bag with the colours of the Palestine flag and donating all the proceeds to victims in Gaza.
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