The young, black model at the centre of a controversial H&M advert has reportedly been offered a million-dollar modelling contract by Diddy.
According to reports, the businessman and record producer is planning on hiring the child who modelled H&M’s controversial hoodie to model for his own brand, Sean John. The modelling contract is believed to be worth a million-dollars.
H&M’S advert displayed a photo of the black child wearing a hoodie which reads “Coolest monkey in the jungle”. The image caused uproar on social media with many Twitter users criticising the high-street shop for being racially insensitive, while some accused the brand of displaying overt racism.
Initially, Diddy reacted to the advert by sharing an edited, and more empowering, version of the image on Instagram which showed the boy wearing a hoodie which reads ‘Coolest king in the world’.
The Weeknd and G Eazy also condemned H&M’s advert and both artists have ended their partnerships with the brand. “Woke up this morning shocked and embarrassed”, The Weeknd wrote on Twitter. “I’m deeply offended and will not be working with @hm anymore.”.
It’s not known if the boy has accepted the supposed modelling contract. Diddy’s team are also yet to comment.
Have a look at Diddy’s initial response to the advert below.