| Front Page |
Iman Faces Debeers' Criticism Cool on Ice? Activists have issues with Iman's work for De Beers.
Nydailynews, October 19, 2003,
Have diamonds hardened Iman's heart?
The Somali-born supermodel, who signed a $1.7 million contract as the face of De Beers LV two years ago, failed to show up at the launch of its London store last November.
Some wondered at the time whether she was silently protesting the company's mining practices in Botswana. She said at the time that she would look into the company's treatment of its miners and local tribespeople.
Yet, Iman is expected to attend the New York opening of De Beers' diamond jewelry boutique on Fifth Ave. next year. Last month, she cut the ribbon for three new stores in Tokyo.
Rita Gava, a member of the London-based Survival International, which supports indigenous people's rights, told us, "We will be there when they open. We are [getting] it organized."
Human-rights groups have claimed that De Beers, with the help of the Botswana government, is forcing the Bushmen people out of their ancestral lands to make way for diamond mines.
"We've recently written to Iman, asking her once again to stop being the face of De Beers, but she hasn't replied yet. We are quite disappointed, [but we're] hoping to get an answer," said Gava.
A De Beers LV rep said Iman missed the London store opening because of "personal problems," adding that "she has made it clear she investigated this company thoroughly, and feels positive about it.
There's never been any indication of her pulling out of her contract."
Iman, who lives in New York with her husband, David Bowie, was traveling in Europe and did not respond to messages.
Home | Contact us | Links | Archives