Dallas Cowboys cheerleader cuts ties with Perth activewear brand after slur scandal
Dallas Cowboys cheerleader Faith Ward has ended her association with Perth-based activewear brand Kikiva after its owner, influencer Kia Buckley, faced backlash over a racial slur reportedly used by Buckley's family member during a TikTok livestream. The incident occurred when Buckley was streaming content and a voice in the background was heard using a racial slur. Buckley later apologized, stating she was shocked and disapproving of the language used. Several models and collaborators with Kikiva, including Ward, have since distanced themselves from the brand. Ward clarified that her relationship with Kikiva ended four months prior and emphasized her opposition to racism and discriminatory behavior. Social media reactions have included criticism of Buckley for not addressing the slur immediately and some customers discarding Kikiva products.
Dallas Cowboys cheerleader Faith Ward has ended her association with Perth-based activewear brand Kikiva following a controversy involving the brand's owner, influencer Kia Buckley. The incident arose after Buckley livestreamed a family member using a racial slur, prompting backlash and leading to several high-profile collaborations ending with the brand. The controversy began earlier this month when Buckley, who owns Kikiva, was livestreaming on TikTok to her 139,000 followers. During the stream, Buckley was applying makeup and mentioned her younger sister had just returned home. A voice in the background was heard saying "what up n---, s," before Buckley warned her sister she was being recorded. Buckley later denied her sister used the slur, claiming she had said "what's up sissys." Following the incident, Buckley issued an apology to her followers, stating she was shocked and disappointed by the language used. She emphasized that the use of racial slurs or any derogatory words is unacceptable under any circumstances. In response to the controversy, several Kikiva collaborators, including Perth model Vimbayi Hakutangwi, Gold Coast model Evie Graves, and Sydney model Madison Meyerhoff, have severed ties with the brand. Faith Ward, one of Kikiva's most prominent collaborators, confirmed her relationship with the brand ended four months ago and stated she would not work with them again. Ward clarified she does not condone or support racism, discrimination, or similar behavior, emphasizing these actions do not align with her values. Social commentator Abbie Chatfield criticized Buckley for not addressing the slur immediately during the livestream. Meanwhile, some Kikiva fans have been documented discarding the brand's products. Kikiva recently opened its first physical store in Karrinyup in August, with Buckley hosting an opening event for fans. Faith Ward, who became a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader after befriending Buckley in Perth, was prominently featured on the Netflix show America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. Her collection with Kikiva, which she modeled for, has since sold out.
Dallas Cowboys cheerleader Faith Ward has ended her association with Perth-based activewear brand Kikiva after its owner, influencer Kia Buckley, faced backlash over a racial slur reportedly used by Buckley's family member during a TikTok livestream. The incident occurred when Buckley was streaming content and a voice in the background was heard using a racial slur. Buckley later apologized, stating she was shocked and disapproving of the language used. Several models and collaborators with Kikiva, including Ward, have since distanced themselves from the brand. Ward clarified that her relationship with Kikiva ended four months prior and emphasized her opposition to racism and discriminatory behavior. Social media reactions have included criticism of Buckley for not addressing the slur immediately and some customers discarding Kikiva products.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on cultural and social issues related to a celebrity's association with a brand due to a racial slur incident. There is no direct political controversy or partisan framing present in the reporting. The content is centered around personal associations, social media reactions, and
Dallas Cowboys cheerleader Faith Ward has ended her association with Perth-based activewear brand Kikiva after its owner, influencer Kia Buckley, faced backlash over a racial slur reportedly used by Buckley's family member during a TikTok livestream. The incident occurred when Buckley was streaming content and a voice in the background was heard using a racial slur. Buckley later apologized, stating she was shocked and disapproving of the language used. Several models and collaborators with Kikiva, including Ward, have since distanced themselves from the brand. Ward clarified that her relationship with Kikiva ended four months prior and emphasized that she does not support racism or discriminatory behavior. The controversy has led to public criticism and some customers discarding Kikiva products.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a cultural controversy involving a celebrity and a brand due to a racial slur incident. It presents both the incident and the responses from involved parties without overtly favoring one side. There is no significant political framing or bias evident in the reporting.
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