Last week, we learned that Sia is MAC Cosmetics newest #VivaGlam spokesperson, as part of the brand’s ongoing efforts to make a difference in the lives of those living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. Sia collaborated with the makeup brand to create a Viva Glam Sia Warm, Vivid Red Matte lipstick (available on January 25, 2018), and 100% of the purchase price of each tube bought will go to the MAC AIDS Fund. It’s a great cause, absolutely, but Sia’s part in the campaign has angered many of her fans for the message they believe it sends about a differentcause: animal rights.
MAC has long been scrutinized by people who believe the company shouldn’t sell its products in China, where the government requires all cosmetics importers to pay for animal testing. While MAC itself does not perform animal testing, this requirement means that the Chinese government does do so on MAC products — an animal rights groups, like PETA, say the process is cruel and torturous. For its part, MAC says it does not support animal testing, and is attempting to change the regulations in China from within.
Still, many people don’t think that’s enough, which puts Sia — a vegan and an activist who has advocated for PETA and other groups and causes — in a controversial position when it comes to her partnership with MAC.
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And her fans were quick to say so. “You are doing so great by helping to rehome dogs and help with non kill shleters and on the other hand you do a partnership with a non cruelty free brand,” one person commented on Sia’s Facebook announcement of the collaboration. “Please make sure to work with a company that share the same ideas [as] you.”
On Friday, Sia addressed the controversy with a post on Twitter. “Like MAC, I believe makeup shouldn’t be tested on animals,” she wrote. “MAC does not test on animals and is advocating change in countries like China where animal testing exists.” She also linked to MAC’s own pagethat explains its animal testing stance.
But the statement didn’t appease everyone, and more fans commented reiterating the brand’s link to animal testing through its product sales in China. “Upset that I can’t support one of my favorite artists in this, but I stand with you,” one Twitter user wrote. “Until MAC doesn’t sell in China anymore, they still support animal testing in my book.”
MAC has not commented on this controversy.
[“Source-teenvogue”]
