Elon Musk, along with others, criticizes Dove for hiring BLM activist accused of baseless accusations against a white student.
Dove Faces Backlash Over Partnership with Black Lives Matter Activist
Dove is currently under fire, with even Elon Musk expressing his disapproval, after it was revealed that the company had partnered with a Black Lives Matter Activist accused of ruining a white student’s life with unverified accusations. The activist in question, Zyahna Bryant, who proudly announced her role as a Dove ambassador on Instagram, has been advocating for “fat liberation.”
Bryant accused fellow University of Virginia student Morgan Bettinger of making derogatory remarks about George Floyd protesters during a Charlottesville rally in 2020. However, she later admitted that she may not have actually heard the remarks at all. This revelation has sparked outrage and criticism, with Musk himself tweeting, “Messed up.”
Messed up
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 14, 2023
Many social media users have joined in the backlash against Dove. The Daily Mail reported various comments, including:
“After hearing that Dove Beauty chose Zyahna Bryant — who ruined Morgan Bettinger’s life — for their ‘fat acceptance ambassador,’ THIS lifelong large lady & now former Dove customer tossed out the last three bars of Dove product she will EVER buy. I have written to Unilever too.”
“@Dove. Do you want to get @budlight bud lighted? Because, this is how you get bud lighted.”
“Shame on Dove, never bought the product anyway. There goes their reputation!”
“Guess I’ve bought my last bar of Dove soap.”
“I’ve stopped buying their products. Never again!”
“I’ll have to toss my Dove products and never buy them again!”
Bettinger, who was accused by Bryant and others, has faced severe consequences due to these allegations. However, Reason pointed out that Bryant’s videos did not provide evidence of the alleged remarks. The group behind the protest, Charlottesville Beyond Policing, also claimed that Bettinger had made derogatory comments.
“… this rally and march was disturbed by a UVA student, Morgan Bettinger. Morgan drove around the public works truck blocking the street that demonstrators were convened on, and felt compelled to say, not just once, but twice, that protesters would ‘make good speed bumps.’ The second time she repeated it loudly to a Black protester and added ‘good f***ing speed bumps.’”
The story gained traction through local media, and Bryant launched a campaign demanding Bettinger’s expulsion. However, an investigation by the university’s Office for Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights (EOCR) found that three of Bryant’s four allegations could not be substantiated by other witnesses. The remaining allegation had conflicting testimonies, with Bryant herself admitting uncertainty about whether she had heard Bettinger make the statement.
What potential consequences can brands face when they fail to conduct thorough research and due diligence before entering into collaborations, particularly in a society where cancel culture is prevalent
Ng, “Dove should be ashamed of themselves for supporting someone who falsely accused a student and ruined their life,” and “This just shows how little research Dove does before partnering with someone.” The controversy has also sparked discussions about cancel culture and the responsibility of brands when choosing their ambassadors.
One of the main concerns raised by critics is the lack of due diligence by Dove before partnering with Zyahna Bryant. Accusing someone without proper evidence can have severe consequences and impact someone’s life drastically. The fact that Bryant later admitted she may not have actually heard the remarks brings into question her credibility and highlights the importance of verifying information before taking actions that can harm others.
Moreover, Bryant’s advocacy for “fat liberation” has also raised eyebrows among some consumers. While body positivity and acceptance are important conversations to have, it is important to consider the implications of promoting an ideology that glorifies unhealthy habits. Critics argue that partnering with an activist who promotes potentially harmful messages may tarnish Dove’s reputation as a brand that promotes self-care and positive body image.
Additionally, the involvement of Elon Musk in the backlash against Dove has gained significant attention. As one of the most influential figures in the business world, Musk’s disapproval carries weight. His tweet not only exposed the controversy to a wider audience but also emphasized the seriousness of the situation. This incident highlights the power of social media and how it can shape public opinion and influence corporate decisions.
It is crucial for brands to meticulously research and scrutinize potential partners and ambassadors before entering into collaborations. This includes verifying the credibility of their claims and ensuring that their values align with the brand’s image and message. In an era where cancel culture is prevalent, brands must be cautious in their associations to avoid negative repercussions and potential damage to their reputation.
Dove has yet to respond to the backlash directly, but this incident serves as a reminder to companies to be diligent in their decision-making processes and to thoroughly consider the potential consequences before aligning themselves with individuals or movements.
In conclusion, Dove is currently facing significant criticism after partnering with a Black Lives Matter activist who made unverified accusations. The lack of due diligence and the subsequent admission by the activist has led to backlash from social media users, including the influential voice of Elon Musk. This incident highlights the importance of proper research when choosing ambassadors and the potential consequences of associating with individuals who may promote harmful messages. Brands should be cautious and responsible in their decision-making processes to avoid tarnishing their reputation and facing backlash from consumers.
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