Jameela Jamil has spoken out against those mourning Karl Lagerfeld following the legendary fashion designer’s death, describing him as a “ruthless, fat-phobic misogynist”.
On Tuesday, Chanel confirmed the news that the Hamburg-born visionary had died aged 85.
The Good Place actor tweeted an article that criticised the late Chanel and Fendi creative director, calling him an “oppressor” who perpetuated damaging views about women, race and religion.
She concurred with the stance, writing: “I’m glad somebody said it. Even if it is a little too soon” before adding that he shouldn’t be labelled as “a saint-gone-too-soon”.
“Talented for sure, but not the best person,” she concluded.
Lagerfeld was renowned for his acerbic wit but some of his comments, particularly those regarding weight loss and #MeToo, meant he was regularly embroiled in controversy.
He famously once described Adele as “a little too fat”, told a German magazine that he will only hire thin models to walk in his shows because “no one wants to see curvy women” and, with regards to victims of sexual harassment, said: “If you don’t want your pants pulled about, don’t become a model! Join a nunnery”.
Jamil made the remark hours after news broke that Lagerfeld had passed away in Paris, prompting some people to accuse her of being too quick to condemn him.
“Seriously let’s have some respect for his death keep your opinion at least respectful at this time,” wrote one person.
“Regardless if your opinion is right or wrong, a lot of people seem to have liked and respected this person. Do you think it would be more respectful to voice your opinion after hes been mourned by friends and family?”
Another added: “I don’t think anyone has forgotten how he was as a person, or how he treated others. But I do think people (especially those in the fashion industry) are taking the moment to celebrate his legacy – the honourable thing to do when someone so influential passes.”
Others, however, agreed with Jamil, with one person writing: “It has been very discouraging seeing so many WOMEN touting him as that, a saint. Thank you so much.”
Following the influx of comments she received, Jamil concluded in a subsequent tweet that she would “write an essay” on the topic instead of trying to compress her thoughts into a single tweet.
“How problematic the industry has been for girls is too complex for this,” she added.
