Naomi Campbell Says She Was Denied Entry To Paris Hotel Because Of Her Skin Color

In a new interview with Paris Match, Naomi Campbell admitted that she still experiences racism despite her status as a fashion icon. 

While the supermodel broke barriers in the ’90s and was a catalyst for diversity in the industry, Campbell believes that there is still a long way to go.

In the interview, she recounted a recent experience in France during the Cannes Film Festival, where she was allegedly the target of discrimination.

Campbell said that she was invited to an event at a hotel, in which she did not name, but was denied entry because of the color of her skin.

”I was recently in a town in the South of France, while the Cannes Film Festival was going on, where I was invited to take part in an event in a hotel that will remain nameless,” she said. ”They did not want to let us come in, my friend and me, because of the color of our skin. This guy at the door made out that the place was full. But, he was letting other people in.” 

However, this wasn’t the 49-year-old’s first time opening up about racism in the industry. Back in April, Campbell shared a few of these experiences with Vogue Australia, including her fight for equal pay.

“It’s still not balanced completely,” she told Vogue Australia of the current climate of the industry. “I’m the face of a new campaign, and I was told that because of the color of my skin, a certain country would not use my picture.”

“For me, it was a reality check. I never believe in the hype, so it just kept things in perspective for me. Now I would like to know that models [of color] get the same opportunities and fees in advertising,” she added.

After it all, Campbell vowed to express herself and stand up to what she believes is discriminatory.