October 19th 2023.
Vogue editor-at-large Gabriella Karefa-Johnson left fans wondering whether she was still with the publication after her social media posts condemning Israel for violence inflicted on Palestine.
The 32-year-old made headlines for her bold statements, which included voicing her belief that Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people. “It’s so disappointing to see the utter lack of understanding of the basic tenets and tactics of colonization, and one’s willingness to justify and defend those systems which have only ever oppressed,” she posted on Oct. 14.
The fashion editor’s statements led to backlash from some industry colleagues, prompting another public response about those she respected in her field who held “horrifying” opinions. “Damn. I hate when Instagram shows me what I hope I never know about the people I follow and their horrifying belief systems,” she also stated.
The New York-based stylist didn’t hold back in her posts, calling the violence a “mass Palestinian extinction plan.” “I cannot believe that the world is watching in silence as a GENOCIDE—a mass Palestinian extinction plan—is happening before our very eyes. These are WAR CRIMES. I am sickened and saddened beyond belief. I feel helpless assessing the atrocity from the comfort of the west but we should not be okay with doing and saying nothing,” she said as the first Black woman to style a Vogue cover.
In the aftermath of the controversy, Karefa-Johnson has since removed her job title from her official account bio, instead going for an ambiguous “many things.” After garnering attention for the heated exchanges, a spokesperson for Vogue stated that Karefa-Johnson’s words do not reflect the magazine’s views. “Gabriella’s social media posts and opinions are her own and do not represent those of the company.”
However, whether or not the style contributor is still associated with the magazine is unclear, as neither party has made an official announcement on her current employment. It is uncertain whether she will continue to be a part of the Vogue team or move on.
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