Rihanna: “I don’t think it’s fair that a trans woman, or man, be used as a convenient marketing tool”
“Too often I see companies doing this to trans and black women alike,” the singer wrote in response to a fan.
Rihanna's Fenty Beauty has been praised for its inclusivity, offering a wide variety of shades not usually found in makeup. When a fan suggested she use trans models to promote the next Fenty Beauty campaign, the pop star shared a thoughtful response.
"I've had the pleasure of working with many gifted trans women over the years," she wrote, "but I don't go around doing trans castings! Just like I don't do straight non trans women castings. I respect all women. Whether they're trans or not is none of my business."
She also criticized fashion and beauty brands for exploiting trans people in their campaigns. "I don't think it's fair that a trans woman, or man, be used as a convenient marketing tool," she wrote. "Too often I see companies doing this to trans and black women alike. There's always just that one spot in the campaign for the token 'we look mad diverse' girl/guy! It's sad!"
Read Rihanna's full response above.