The Atlanta rapper took off his hoodie to reveal messages on his skin, saying ‘GIVE ME FREEDOM’. In an interview with GQ, he explains why
The rapper and singer recently made his runway debut for the Italian house’s SS18 show at Men’s Fashion Week in Milan. Based on a millennial theme, the designers casted social media influencers for the show. However, mid-runway, Raury took off his bomber and hoodie to unveil messages scrawled on his skin, saying, ‘PROTEST D&G’, ‘I AM NOT YOUR SCAPEGOAT’ and ‘GIVE ME FREEDOM’.
Helmed by designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, D&G have recently received backlash for their open support of Melania Trump. In response, the designers released a white t-shirt earlier this month, with the slogan “#Boycott Dolce & Gabbana”. Miley Cyrus has spoken up on the issue, stating that she doesn’t agree with their politics.
The brand is no stranger to controversy as in 2015, they were criticised for their comments on gay parenthood after stating that families should have a traditional structure. Elton John called for a boycott of the brand, calling them “judgemental” and “archaic”.
In a new interview with GQ, Raury details his decision to stage a protest on the catwalk. “The ‘Boycott Dolce & Gabbana’ T-shirt they created completely makes a mockery of what ‘boycotting’ is… I really felt this mockery of boycotting. Who knows, if boycotts didn’t happen, if Rosa Parks and M.L.K. didn’t step up…who knows if I would even exist. Boycotting matters. Boycotting is real. Dolce’s entire campaign says it’s not real.” He clarifies that it wasn’t until he’d arrived in Milan for the show that he realised the brand’s endorsement of the First Lady.
“I know that if I walk out there and support or endorse anything that sits next to Trump – or support someone who even makes dinner for Trump or whatever – then that means that I support Trump also. I don’t support Trump. So I’m trapped, and I have to let people know that I don’t support Trump and I don’t support those who are trying to undermine the voice of the people.”
On D&G’s ironic millenial theme, Raury comments, “It was very insulting to know that Dolce & Gabbana was selling all of this millennial, pro-forward shit, but everything that they’re doing and saying is a step backwards. They’re speaking for the 1950s. They’re saying our voice doesn’t matter, and they fuck with Melania and Trump. It’s sad.”
(via GQ)