Actors Yoo Ah In and Gong Hyo Jin were scheduled to appear at Burberry‘s collection show in London but were reportedly banned from attending due to racial discrimination in relation to the recent coronavirus outbreak.
Reports claimed that Burberry blocked not only the actors, but also Korean influencers and press from attending the show. They suggested Burberry was afraid of the COVID-19 virus that is predominantly spreading in China.
Burberry allegedly excluded everyone from Korea, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Japan from their list of invitees. The luxury fashion brand was compared to other British Brands, including Mulberry, Anya Hindmarch, and Vivienne Westwood, all who didn’t restrict the participation of Asian celebrities and press during the recent Fashion Week.
Despite the reports, Yoo Ah In’s agency had a different story. They revealed that Yoo Ah In had been invited but decided not to attend as a precaution to the global spread of the coronavirus.
Burberry didn’t tell us not to come. They asked if we would like to come, and after discussions, we decided not to attend as a precaution for everyone.
What kind of global brand would not invite their official ambassador to come to their event?
— United Artist Agency
Gong Hyo Jin’s agency mirrored a similar statement. They explained that the decision not to attend was a mutual agreement between Burberry and the agency.
As we find ourselves in this situation, we discussed with Burberry and decided not to attend the show for the safety and prevention for everyone.
It’s not true that we were banned from the fashion show.
— Management Soop
Yoo Ah In was named an official ambassador of Burberry due to his highly influential style, and Gong Hyo Jin is one of the most sought out celebrities in Korean fashion as she is known to be invited to many of the top brand shows.
Burberry had held their 2020 Autumn/Winter fashion show in London last night.
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