By: Amanda Anderson-Niles
Rihanna’s fashion line is in the middle of a controversy. Rihanna might be one of the biggest pop stars on the planet right now, but she’s also one of the most controversial figures in music. We’re sure Rihanna strikes a chord in people because she has no desire to be a role model and she basically does what she wants regardless of how it makes other people feel. And it’s her carefree, “do what I want” attitude that has made her even more of a target to criticism, angry parents, writers and protesters. Regardless of people slamming her repeatedly for not being a good role model, Rihanna made it clear via her Instagram account the other day that she’s not going to change and she will never try to become a role model just to please other people. Even though Rihanna isn’t embracing the role model label, it doesn’t mean she can keep the protesters at bay. In fact, the singer’s fashion deal with River Island which has put her in a position to design fashion collections for the brand is being protested by anti-dr*g groups who have called out the company for hooking up with a very public lover of weed. Mirror Online reports:
Lucy Dawe, of charity Skunk Sense, said: “She should be dropped by River Island as she’s a role model to young children but clearly an appalling one.
“It is a huge double standard because if River Island were really concerned about the effects of drug use, they wouldn’t be supporting someone who is so blatantly using drugs herself.”And Paul Jenkins, CEO of the charity Rethink Mental Illness, added: “She is reinforcing the myth that cannabis is a ‘safe’ drug, when in fact it can increase your chances of developing mental illness, especially if you use it when you’re young.”
“It’s disappointing to see Rihanna normalising cannabis use in this way.”
Despite the protests, River Island has decided to preserve its relationship with Rihanna. The copany released the following statement:
Rihanna has been contracted to design a range of adult clothes which are sold exclusively by River Island.
“She is not the face of River Island or its spokesperson in any way. As with all our collaborations, her views are her own.
“River Island is proud to support many charities including DrugFAM which does invaluable work supporting the families of people with addictions and will continue to do so.”
So stupid! Weed is harmless!
Rihanna needs to eat a sandwich.
You need to lay off the sandwiches dear.
Lol aww you’re mad. Your fave is looking like a bobble head. Tell her to eat a Big Mac and some fries the next time you get on Instagram…since she reads her mentions all day.
I thought the clothes were for adults. LOL.
White girls ain’t smokin weed because Rihanna is doing it. Trust me on that and miss me with this BS.
They won’t end that deal because she’s bringing in a lot of money. If the clothes are being marketed towards adults, I don’t see a problem.
River Island won’t drop their money maker.
I don’t get why she has to keep posting all these weed smoking photos on IG. It’s like she’s trying too hard.
How is smoking a blunt trying too hard? Lol. Man y’all be hating,
If people stopped caring so much about what she’s posting on Instagram, she’d probably stop the antics. She lives for the attention.
People protest anything these days LOL!
Another day, another thing people find to b*itch about. If you don’t like the woman then don’t support her. Stop wasting energy on negative comments. Save that energy to teach your kids to stay away from the examples you say she sets. I love Rihanna, her music & respect her way of life. Its HER life not mine. As for my daughter, I teach her to love everyone…even those with different ideas & lifestyles than ours.
#cosign