In a four paragraph statement, content creator Golloria George announced she is “logging off for a bit” from social media. The beauty influencer explained that the internet has become “an increasingly violent space” for her as a dark-skinned Black woman.
“It’s heartbreaking and harmful to constantly confront that overwhelming colorist, anti-Black, and racist rhetoric that’s directed at us by the masses,” George wrote.
George is well known for testing out makeup brand’s offerings on her TikTok and Instagram accounts. She offers honest reviews of the good and bad when it comes to products and how they perform on her skin. In her last post before her break announcement, George applies blush sent to her by the Giorgio Armani team.
“Why would you send me this, Giorgio Armani,” she said speaking to the camera while applying the bright liquid blush to her cheek.
More notably, George called out Youthforia for its attempt at inclusivity. In 2023 the brand released it’s “Date Night” collection and expanded it to 15 shades. George said Youthforia reps sent her the darkest shade in the line which did not deliver as it was several shades lighter than her skin.
Bigotry and White Fragility
In her recent statement, George went deeper than just a lack of inclusivity. She touched on the widespread issues that the beauty industry continues to grapple with including how Black women are treated when they share their thoughts, feelings and opinions.
“What’s even more disturbing is how bigotry and white fragility are amplified when Black women-especially those with darker skin-speak out,” George wrote. “The world consistently refuses to listen to us or acknowledge our experiences. There’s a persistent failure to see dark-skinned Black women as fully human.”
George went on to say Black women are often dehumanized by erasure or harsh criticism because the world can’t seem to come to terms with their existence outside of tired stereotypes and narratives.
“Society has long been conditioned to dismiss us, to see us as less deserving of care and protection. That dehumanization allows for the continued disrespect and disregard for our voices, our bodies and our contributions,” George wrote.
A Demand for Change
The conclusion of George’s statement included a demand for something new. Her requirements are not groundbreaking but rather a call for the bare minimum: respect.
“Black women deserve to be treated with dignity, Black creatives deserve recognition and respect, and dark-skinned women deserve to be seen, valued, and humanized in every sense,” George wrote. “We are not here to be performers for the world’s consumption, nor are we here to be your punching bag.”
A Captive Audience
George’s statement quickly made an impact on social media. The TikTok post of the video had more than 300,000 views just two hours after it was posted. George turned off comments on the TikTok post but left them open on her Instagram post of the statement. Friends, fans and colleagues quickly weighed in with support. Many commenters pushed the influencer to take all the time she needs and thanked her for the work she has done to make the beauty landscape more inclusive. Others shared how they too feel burdened by the unfair weight put on Black women and thanked her for her words.
“My love. I felt this message so deeply. Hoping space for you and all the changemakers that have the courage to lead the way,” one commenter wrote.
In the caption of her Instagram post, George focused the lens sharply on her hope for herself and other Black women traversing the world that so often tries to break them.
“It’s okay to protect your peace and step away from environments that are harmful,” George wrote. “Stay strong, but also prioritize your well-being—self-care is a radical act of RESISTANCE.”